Using these KnitPro Mindful Fixed Circular Needles is a breeze. Just pick up your yarn and start knitting as you normally would. They're great for lace patterns because of the lace tips, but also work well for regular knitting projects. When using the cables, take advantage of the inch markings to measure your work. As for maintenance, keep them in a dry place to prevent rusting. Avoid bending the cables too forcefully to keep them in good shape. And don't worry if the package looks different; it's still the same great product inside.