Ditto to this. I am still using thread from many years ago.

Threw out some old thread from 80s and 90s But the teacher who told you to get new thread is a jerk, when it was only a year old.

I have 16 year old thread that I accummulated working in a machine dealership shop. If in doubt, I test it for strength and breakage.

If that were true, why do they sell those wooden thread holders? I don't believe you'd be using that many spools at one time, do you? I had never heard that before and would never throw away a spool that still had thread on it.

LOL- I probably do have thread that old! I have a tendency to buy and throw it in the drawer, so it is forgotten until needed. I think if it were a major issue the spools would be dated, no? I throw it out if it is breaking and giving me a fit sewing, new, old or in between. That may be an ignorant way to decide, but works for me. Better quality thread is the bigger issue.

I'm with you Maia. I've never heard such rubbish. I wonder how long her quilts last.
If anyone thinks their thread is a bit dry place it in the freezer for a couple of days.

Use a new needle for every project - but NOT new thread. Never heard that!! I make sure any older thread I use is good quality - not "slubby" or breaks easily, but if it matches, use it!

At a Ricky Tims seminar a few years back, I asked Bob of Superior Threads if thread I have from my grandmother, which dates back to the 40's thru the 60's (or even older)was okay to use in piecing. He replied "Don't take the chance on anything that old. However, fiber technology has improved and today's threads will no doubt stand up better than those of the first half of the 1900's". He was right...most of those threads don't pass the stretch test. Like the posts about using them up for basting, test designs, etc. I always use the "stretch" test and never throw thread away.

Maybe she owns shares in a thread company :-D

I got thread from my mother's stash when she passed away. I'll bet some of it is older than some of you!!!! I still use it unless it breaks very easily. I recently was at a vintage fashion show and there were dresses and suits from the 20's and even earlier. Seams looked OK to me and we know that the garments were probably not re-sewn. I think that maybe the instructor was being paid on a commission basis- the more supplies bought- the more she made. Don't mean to be cynical but it seems that places are always thinking up new ways to get the consumer to spend money. Off topic- BUT- just card a card yesterday from a magazine I had a subscription to- reputable magazine- $4.99 for your first year- the card stated that they were automatically going to renew my subscription as a "courtesy" to me and that if I didn't want to continue, I had to write "Cancel" on the invoice they would send out. that would mean I would also have to use my time and my stamp!!!! Seriously?!?!?!?!