I (also) use metro thread. You can't beat their pricing. They had their 1000mm mini spools on sell $.89. That's right, 89 pennies. Might check them out, but people are right, my machine doesn't like some threads, but always runs when I
use Metro. If you are still confused about your machine, take a class or two. Most places have free intro classes when you
buy the machine. As for designs, try goggling free embroidery designs, you'll find hundreds. Hope this helps.