When you ask many of the on-line sellers " how many yards of ribbon are on your 2" spools ? "...IF you get a reply...they usually say 10-14 yards.  I buy to get 18 yards on the spool.
 

Hi Squire

Seems like we haven't heard from you in a while, good to see you're still around. The simplest answer to your first question is:

Nylon ribbons are the cheapest and most resiliant, but don't hold as much ink as silk or cotton. Cotton ribbons hold the most ink as the ink actually soaks into the fibers of the ribbon. However, cotton ribbon will eventually break down with the repeated hammering of the type slugs and will plug up the letters with cotton pulp. Silk ribbons hold more ink than nylon but not as much as cotton. Silk is also a finer weave so gives a clearer impression than cotton or nylon. However, silk is the most expensive and usually only comes in black or black/red.

As you are in the USA, my recommendation is give Lanie Hurwitz a call (800) 250–7426 or visit his website. Lanie has all sorts of colors and loads his spools full. Hope this gives you something to work with,

Sky

Sky has forgotten more about ribbon than I will ever know probably -- but I have placed one order with Lanie and been very happy. Then I tried to lowball it last week on Amazon...and got half-filled, weak ribbons with no grommets. So you get what you pay for and from now on I am going to try to support the people who are doing what I value!