You can purchase individual cones, no need to purchase entire sets. You can update your sets, or just choose the colors you use most. I received some of the variegated thread 3 days ago - it is awesome. No breaks, and I have made the most gorgeous lace, I'll have to post pics once my project is finished. I don't know for sure when the sale will end, I went to the site to look at more variegated thread and noticed the sale. Wanted to share with you "cuties".