San Francisco Area thread retailers??
 

I have just got a new longarm on which I have been practicing diligently! I am ready to quilt some of my charity tops up and need to find shops in which to shop for thread (not much of that locally).

As I am off to the Sonoma/San Francisco area for a few days, can anyone point me at good thread retailer there? I love the Superior threads but it can be tough to order them online ie. you don't get to see them "for reals" against your quilt top.

Many thanks all,
Janet

Janet, if you like Superior threads you might want to order the Superior thread cards, they cost a little but are sure handy to have (actual thread used on them) to see if you want to order the threads.

Good suggestion! Still hoping to find a good thread bar on my travels...

Sadly there are very few brick and mortar long arm supply retailers, most are on line. Most quilt shops are only carrying threads for domestic use so rarely do they stock the big cones in any quantity or variety. Your best bet is to see if there is a LA dealer in the area. They would be the most likely to have a good assortment of threads.
I order almost all my thread on line or save up and purchase a lot at the big national shows and that seems to be the way most of us shop for thread. The major vendors are at the big shows (AQS Quiltweeks, Road to California, etc) and almost always have a deal going. I agree with quiltingshortimer you should get thread cards for the brands you like so you can order on line. I use a lot of different threads but my favorite is Glide thread by Filtec. It is a 40 wt trilobal polyester originally marketed to machine embroidery, very similar to Superior Magnifico. I have the color cards for Glide. Years ago they used to give them away at the shows, sadly that is no longer the case.

Edited to add, if most of your quilting is charity quilts I would just get a few neutrals. Surprisingly, I have discovered that sage green (like pea soup) and golds seems to play nicely with everything. I always have white on hand as well.

Another thought that occurred to me is Metro Embroidery thread (on line only), their prices are rock bottom so you can order a lot of threads without a lot outlay or order mini spools if you are unsure of the color. It is good inexpensive strong thread for charity work. Lots and lots of colors and dirt cheap but it is very shiny so if you don't like that lustrous look and prefer a matte finish or only use cotton this would not be a good option for you. https://metroemb.com/store/index.php...ry&path=72_105

Another very affordable option is Connecting threads. I have run their thread though my LA. Not a huge fan of it but that is just me, others love it. I find it too linty and I much prefer the shiny look of the trilobal poly embroidery threads.

I have found the shops out here in Oakland/Berkeley to be very friendly. You might pop in to New Pieces or Bay Quilts.