I like to use varigated thread for my free motion quilting and recently discovered that Joann's has varigated serger thread. Huge spool for 9.95 (then I used my 50% coupon so got it for 5.00 compared with 2.00 for the little tiny spools which I always use more than one of.) I wanted to use it on my regular machine so had to improvise a way. I placed the spool in a empty clean deli container, poked a hole in the plastic cover then strung the thread up so it was higher than my machine to feed properly. I have a shelf above my sewing area and had a plastic magazine folder that fits in a notebook, pulled it out between some quilting books just enough to pass the thread through the opening and down to my machine. This worked just fine. I didn't have to purchase a special holder that would only take up room. Even a hook on my shelf would have worked, just something to hold it up higher than my machine.