quiltinmom,
Congratulations on your new machine! Most of us use different threads and some machines do well with some and not others, yes they do have their own temperament. I use sulky and madeira but I am looking for the Isacord. Sometimes the Sulky will break on me and at times it has to do with the tension. Joanns always has sales on Sulky for 1/2 off and i think they're going to have their next sale this week for that price. I'd purchase a few mostly primary colors and choose a simple design to see how it reacts to the thread. Also remember to change your needle often well at least I do. Good luck! Oh and as for stabilizers if you are using terry cloth towels you will need a water soluble stabilizer for the top and depending on the density of the stitches in the design will depend on the type of stabilzier you would use in the back. i'm more than sure there is someone on here who could answer this question! Again Good Luck and Happy Embroidering!