I am very excited about the packages of counted cross stitch thread I found. I love these pastel colors. I do have to separate the strands. You see counted cross stitch thread comes in 6 different strands and so I have found that the easiest way is to unwind the entire package on the bed and then find just one strand. I pull and pull until that entire strand is separated from the rest. That is why I use the bed, you need lots of room to lay it down without it getting tangled. After I have two strands separated I then wind them together on the bobbin. But don't you just love these colors?