I made an Oakland Raiders quilt for my daughter's friend on his 30th birthday and used the variegated thread which was white to gray to black on the front and the back. The back was gray flannel so really helped give it personality.
You were right that the variegated thread being so expensive, I was shocked at the cost at my LQS and haven't bought thread there since.
Last edited by quiltingcandy; 09-07-2012 at 10:42 PM.