For machine piecing, I use a big cone of Masterpiece light grey. I use mostly Mettler silk finish for other machine sewing. Threads of choice for my Innova are Omni, Permacore and Glide. If I want to try something new, I buy one cone. If I REALLY like it and use it alot, I will keep two on hand: one for the machine and one to wind bobbins. I hate to have to take the cone off the machine to wind a bobbin! I love Love LOVE silk for hand applique. The thread just melts into the background.