Home Sew and Newark Dressmakers supply web sites have good deals on large spools of thread. I think I am well stocked after getting an order earlier this year. For bobbin thread and fancier stuff I go to the Superior web site. It does pay to buy in bulk. Still I am still surprised at how fast I can run one of those big cones out...

Joann's will be having a sale beginning December 30 and ALL THREAD IS 1/2 OFF thru January 2, 2011.

MTS you hit the nail on the head with your comments regarding quilt shop owners and their lack of business know-how!!! It is exactly the reason so many lqs are failing.

I just ordered thread from Connecting Threads, also. I received an email from them announcing that, due to the increase in cotton prices, they will be increasing the price on their fabrics. I guess we all should try to stock up on some fabric and that isn't easy for those of us on limited incomes.

What is the best thread to buy? Cotton, polyester, Guterman's, Coats & Clarks? I began learning to quilt (self-taught, w/help from you all) this year and am still learning a lot about fabrics and threads. How many of you use the large cones of thread? I just ordered a thread stand from Connecting Threads and am considering trying the large cones.

I use the large cones most of the time. But still do use the Star and coats and Clark spools too.

Thread drying up doesn't need to be a problem. If you put your older thread in a baggy and place it in your frezzer, when you take it out it will be restored to its original strength.

You can bet that anything with cotton in it, i.e. thread, will go up next year. Thats a sad fact, but one we will all have to deal with.

Lanny

Is the question: What's the best thread to buy?
Or: What's the best thread to buy at Joann's? :wink:

I find the best values in thread selection at Joann's are:

Coats & Clarks Cotton 1200yd #50 spools. They retail for $5/spool but are almost always on sale (40% or 50% off) or couponable (my word). They are a bit linty but you can't beat the price. I use this for piecing all the time. It's also great QAYG work - not the quilting, but the joining of the blocks.

Signature threads - my Joann's had a nice display of different variegated threads. I think there some poly, triglobal (?) or something like that, and cotton. The retail prices ranged from $5-$8, but I bought a bunch of the cotton spools when there was a BOGO. The cotton spool is 500 yds #40. I stocked up on Primary/Brights.

I don't do any embroidery so I can't speak about the rayons.

Connecting Threads cotton threads are a GREAT value, and I don't think you'll beat their prices on cones - especially if you've already invested in a thread stand.

Off the subject. Try the batiks at connecting threads. If i counted correctly there are over 30 different ones. I think they are $6.99 a yard. I am wanting to try them. If I get ambition enough next year I want to try them in a quilt for my son and his wife. I am hoping they will put them on sale next summer so I can get them at a discount.

I should have also added that with the coupon, you can get an additional 10% off your total purchases at Joann's. I think it is worth a trip and a look. Good time to stock up on thread. I know that Walmart can be less expensive but they have limited their color and size selection.