I also use Connecting Threads. They have 5,000 yard cones for 10 bucks. I clean my bobbin area with each bobbin change, but I don't think it's much lintier than other cotton threads. I think a lot of fluff comes from the fabric itself, due to a scientific experiment. I piece with beige thread, but when I clean the bobbin area, the fluff is a pale color of the fabric.