What you may perceive as a bargain with C&C from walmart is actually not a bargain at all.
For the sake of argument lets compare C&C sold in spools at walmart to Connecting Threads cotton. This is a very nice thread to experiment with as you branch out and start to learn the differences.
When I looked up walmart on line for C&C thread the item that came up as "in stores only" was this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coats-Clar...hread/20743481
Which is an all purpose Polyester thread. The well known "dual duty". A spool with 135 yards sells for $1.27
I refined my search to only cotton thread and found this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coats-Clar...-Blue/20683188
This is marketed as 100% cotton but does not give weight or ply but for comparisons sake we will use this product.
450 yards for $2.97
Connecting threads thread:
http://www.connectingthreads.com/thr...d__D21253.html
1200 yards for 2.79
Almost three times as much thread for less $$!
Now granted you have to pay shipping when ordering on line but if you make an initial investment of $50 on thread and say some batting or a couple of books or some fabric or buy a few of the CT thread sets
http://www.connectingthreads.com/thr...d__D21253.html
You will have an initial outlay but a nice stock of threads to last you a very long time.
CT threads are nice. They work for piecing and machine quilting. I find them a far cry better than C&C. They can be a bit linty but many people love them. You can't beat the price and they are nice way to expand your horizons when it comes to thread.
Edited to add, thread is like fabric and machines. We all have our preferences and for different reasons. I like Aurifil for my top thread in piecing and I use Superior bottom line in the bobbin. For quilting I have many types and brands of threads. I find I prefer running polyester in my longarm and I like Glide thread for that. But I also like King Tut, Invisifil, Isacord (primarily marketed as an embroidery thread) and YLI. Different threads for different looks and purposes.