Taking embroidery to the experts

Took both samples to the shop.  Got some good tips.

"Why does my embroidery machine sometimes 'thunk' during a pattern?"

Areas where there are dense stitches sometimes grab hold of the needle, and the 'thunk' is the needle pulling out and the fabric and hoop hitting the machine.

He recommended that I try Isacord thread.  They were nice enough to let me take a couple of spools to try, to compare it to the Mettler embroidery thread. I found out that Mettler embroider thread was not UV-proof and is apparently less suited for machine embroider and more for quilting.  He thought that was why there were some loops on top of the embroidery.  Also, I was advised to use a Microtex needle. I bought some there because they were having a 30% sale as it was Anniversary week. 

Apparently OESD stabilizer products which are sticky (or 'pressure sensitive') apparently have a 'Plus' on the label. Have to remember that. Also apparently some of their products are sensitive to high humidity and may stretch. 

This week I'm going to have to try the Isacord thread. I'm going to just do it with the tear away stabilizer that I used with the earlier sample to keep everything else the same.