Is it normal to extend a strand of thread out from a spool and see little flubs like it has been spliced together or something. I've been noticing this on a well-known 50 weight cotton thread that is supposed to be long staple Egyptian cotton. I haven't noticed this with any other thread. Does anyone know if this is a sign of poor quality?

I see it very often with Coats & Clark cotton machine quilting thread & just recently their All Purpose thread. When I first started quilting, I had a spool of some no-name stuff that slubbed & broke constantly while handsewing.

I have also had some of the C&C variegated machine quilting thread that the thickness of the thread changed drastically at some of the color change areas causing my auto tension sewing machine to throw hissy fits.

Coats and Clarks has been fine for me, but mine is older. I've heard there has been a change.

since the fibers ARE spliced together---yes, it is common-
with Cotton Thread. it is the manufacturing process.
the long staple egyption threads - the slubs should be an inch or two apart.
some threads it is more evident than others, but it is pretty much always there==
poly threads and some other are made from continuous fibers- cotton the fibers are short (couple inches max) and are spun together.

superior threads has good free (choosing the right threads) information on their web site- will answer alot of questions.

I am devoted to Superior Thread's Bottom Line and Aurifil's 50 cotton. Never a problem of any kind with either.
Both are usually available in a good LQS. Or one can order directly from ST
http://www.superiorthreads.com

I'm a big fan of Aurifil. Once I tried it for pieceing, I've turned all my other spools of thread into basting or garment sewing. It's so fine that I can get a true 1/4" seam without having to do the 'scant' bit.

I use Superior and Aurifil for quilting and have never noticed slubs. I use YLI 60 wt for piecing - I used to use the Aurifil which is 50 wt but love the YLI as it's finer still.

I'm with these gals: Aurilfil 50 wt and Masterpiece by Superior cleared up many past sewing bothers. Will try the finer YLI and Connecting Threads when my Aurifil stash gets depleted.

So many ppl complain that their machines 'won't FMQ' - often turns out to be that they are using cheap threads/needles/ not the machine's own brand bobbin etc. You get what you pay for - and I don't like to skimp on cheap supplies - my time is too valuable. :-D