Try the rotary blades at Harbor Freight in their carpeting department. I use them all the time and they work just as good as the expensive ones and are 2 blades for about $2.49. As far as thread goes, I have used many different ones but I definitely prefer Superior Thread. I know it is a little more expensive but it is so worth it. The quality is uncomparable. I have also had good luck with Aurifil, my second go to thread. Stay away from the tread from Connecting Threads, there is so much lint that goes into your machine, you will be constantly cleaning it out.