Here's a link to the reference Karen made about them being homemade. ;)
I use them for storing thread but not while stitching. I have tried several different kinds and like the ones from Madeirausa.com the best by far. I always buy the long ones and for small spools I cut them in 3 equal pieces and they fit perfectly. They are inexpensive and the ones used on very large 'new' spools sometimes stretch so I just toss them. That doesn't happen much though. I first got some that were red and very stiff. Would not stretch enough for me and I threw them away. The Madeirausa white nets are very soft and will not damage the thread. I am anxious to see if others have found some that are good quality. I stopped looking around for them after buying from Madeirausa but that certainly doesn't mean there aren't others out there that are just as good.
That is a good point about florists but I don't think I would want to ask either since I don't really know any florists.
Marcelle
http://embroidery.gotop100.com/
I use thread nets all the time. I love em. For me it's a matter of keeping a) the dust off and b) the thread doesn't unwind. I bought mine on ebay - I got 100 for about $5. I agree with pennyhal2 they do tend to stretch out after a while but I just pitch it and use a new one. I've also heard the flower shops get their rose buds wrapped in them but haven't had the nerve to ask yet. I've also heard the baby rubberbands work well also. Again haven't tried this yet, I just use my thread nets.
I bought a roll of surgical elastic net in the size that I needed and find that it works great on my cottons.
Sometimes the florist shops will give you some, they use them on delicate flowers. Worth a try to ask. I was fortunate to work with a guy, whose wife worked at a florist and she gave me a whole bunch. I like them for storing the threads. I also use the magic tape and like it also.
Hugs Jerri
I recycle the net that is on cloves of garlic as nets. My daughter kindly saves hers for me too
I use them on a certain type of cone that I always have trouble with the thread when it pulls off the spool. All the thread nets I have bought seem the same to me. I do know that they come in different sizes so I try to buy the size that I need. I notice that they tend to stretch out after repeated use, so I get new ones after a while. I just get them at Joanns.
I don't use them. But I do like my spools and cones to stand up rather than lay down. I know that there is Cutie who has made her own thread nets in the past. You can try googling to find it.