I buy embroidery thread by the sets - mostly 1100 yd spools. I'm getting anywhere from 40 to 125 spools of different colors that way. It's a lot cheaper in the long run, & you have what you need in the middle of the night, which is when I tend to really get going. I use the locking satchel cases from Joan's. I only buy when they are 50% off & I use my extra 10% off discount card. I travel some with my sewing machine & never know what my girlfriend may come up with for us to make. I can take a set of 125 small cones of thread in 3 of the satchel cases.
http://www.joann.com/artbin-super-sa...07ab/prd61682/ The dimensions are 15 x 14 x 3.50 inches. They stack great.
These cases are great for quilt projects as long as the block is not larger than 12 1/2".
I do love the idea of using a pin to keep the bobbins & matching thread together, although I mostly use white or black on the bottom when I do embroidery.