Sashiko threads skeins have to be opened out before use. Slide of the skein band first. You will find all the thread is tied together at one point.  Cut through the skein at the knot, so all the threads are cut (you'll find these are the ideal length for stitching doubled).  Push all the thread through the skein band, and then plait the thread loosely.  Pull out each thread as you need it from the loop end of the plait, not the 'fringed' end. This saves time trying to wind the thread into a ball, keeps it tidy and you know the thread shade number if you need to re order.

Takeshi san writes -'

'In the past, people saw the band of many stars shining in the dark night as a river flowing through the sky, and called it the Milky Way. It is also the setting for the Tanabata legend. The white shining stars are accented with gold sparkles to represent the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. By embroidering star-like patterns, you can enjoy the sparkle of a starry sky.

Add the brilliance of "Sashiko Lamè" to "usual sashiko" We propose the fun of making “new sashiko” with an elegant shine. We made a thread that shines with glitter every time I stitch. It is fine and goes well with delicate patterns. We are particular about the thinness of the thread that can express not only traditional patterns, but also detailed patterns such as hitomezashi (one stitch sashiko) and kuguri-zashi ('go through' or woven sashiko). There are many color variation. We have created a trendy light tone color lineup that is easy to match with any color. Shine with every stitch! Sashiko Lamè is our new release.'