Iceblossom

I think I mostly use a pencil which I already have in my sewing kit. I typically remove small amounts of thread (which is usually a pretty big tangle once I have it off). I keep larger amounts and use them in my scrap quilting.

I'm not such a fan of winding and rewinding... some threads are easier than others but I believe they do have a direction, so thread my needle as it comes off the spool as opposed to cutting the thread first and then threading the opposite end. It just seems to me I have better results and an easier time.

edit: Should also mention that because I am typically working with varied scraps, I usually use a tan or a steel bluish thread that "disappears" into multiple colors and rare have the need to match threads since I no longer do garment construction, just quilting. I will use one color as a bobbin and the other on top so I can spot tension issues and such. I use a tight small stitch and don't have many issues with the thread color showing -- or maybe it is just my vision issues!

I've seen articles/opinions talking about black thread and why is it that it gives more problems for both hand and machine sewing than light threads. The answer was (supposedly from people who worked at thread plants) that the black often started out as a different color that for whatever reason (overages, changes in fashion, or not meeting the dye lot/color requirements is redyed and rewound into black. Maybe it is self-fulfilling prophecy, but often when I have problems one day that I did not have the day before, it is that I am using black thread...