I really like the C&C Star mercerized cotton thread (3 ply, 50 wt). I think they're readily available, not linty, well priced in a decent size, don't break or shred and both my Bernina and Viking like them just fine. I've had no problems with their 30 wt cotton machine quilting thread either. Both are from Egypt.
ETA: Some of the spools say Coats on one end and Coats & Clark on the other. Could be the case for the ones your DH got, too.
Last edited by ghostrider; 06-23-2015 at 09:56 AM.