i have a box of the iron on transfers that are from the 40's...back when they cost 5cents...they still work fine and i still use them when i need/want an embroidery pattern. my first redwork quilt was made using them.the paper bobbins are-exactly that- pre-wound bobbins. if the thread is still good (stong, doesnt break easily if you take some in both hands & give it a tug) then they are still fine to use. you can wind them onto your own bobbins, or use them for hand sewing, or even put them on your spool pin & use them on the top of the machine- if you have an old machine they may even fit as bobbins.