I don't have a machine for embroidery but do know how expensive the thread gets....here is another link
http://www.sewthankful.com/FincaThreads.html

the ones i see here are 100 meters for 99 cents

edited............................................ .......................

http://www.sewthankful.com/PresenciaElMolinoThread.html

Is it my imagination, or is 118 yards a very small spool?

very very small spool. I buy mine at a local wholesaler, 5000m for 8.50