Using these KnitPro Mindful Collection needles is easy. Just thread your yarn through the cable and start knitting as you normally would. For lace work, the sharp stainless - steel tips will help you pick up stitches precisely. When using the cable as a ruler, simply measure against the inch markings. As for maintenance, keep the needles clean by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth after each use. Avoid bending the cables too forcefully to prevent any damage. Store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality. And don't worry about the new packaging; the performance of these tools is just as good as before.