I think I have found what I want to use for my hand embroidery on these blocks. I have tried embroidery floss and wasn't really crazy about it. I tried variegated and solids and still didn't like it. Today I got to the city to do some shopping and found some YLI Pearl Crown Rayon. It is beautiful. I bought some variegated which is really pretty, but don't think I will go that route - think I will go back and find a solid, either pale yellow or better yet a gold color. I do like the thread. It does say on the back "Not a needle thread", but I am assuming that means in the sewing machine because I had no problem doing hand embroidery with it. It's nice and shiny. Unless I change my mind again, I think this is it.