Originally Posted by
PaperPrincess
Don't know if modern computerized machines are more finicky, but in prehistoric times, when I was growing up, we only had like 3 bobbins. We always were winding on top of existing thread and it worked just fine. Also, we had 1 needle size & type and only changed it if it broke. You can always just put it on the thread spindle & use it for the top thread for piecing if you want to run it out.
Paper Princess, we must have grown up during the same era. Needles were purchased in wooden cylinder containers from the parts dept. at Monkey Wards. Bent or broken signified replacement. Bobbins were not plentiful so we kept winding different colors on the long cylindrical bobbins. I keep one of those empty bobbins in my change purse to remind me that I have many blessings. Sew on!