I also wind my own bobbins as my winder works great. I use what thread in the color I'm looking for so it could be cotton or poly or embroidery thread. Also have used metallic embroidery thread. I've never had any lessons/classes in making quilts or in quilting. Just read a lot and tried my hand at it. Sometimes a bunch of mistakes, other times it works out okay. I live in a small town so not much options for classes or purchasing of supplies so mainly use websites for ordering.