Originally Posted by fabric=fun

I think you can be a purist and still use rayon thread - usually the rayon is used for decorative stitching or for the quilting itself. Its not usually used for piecing. Because it is shiny it highlights the stitching more and makes a nice contrast to the fabric.

Robinson Anton is a good company and makes a number of varieties of thread - often the rayon and polyester is popular with machine embroidery sewers.