In the yarn shop there are always yarns that have wonderfully shimmering glints that inspire you to knit something funky. Have you ever tried to create your own? Here is an easy technique to add glitz to your spinning.

The first option is to find fiber that is designed just for that purpose. There are prepackaged fibers that can be added to your spinning fiber to give it just the right sparkle. These are usually mylar or nylon. Both are very easy to use and add a lot of interest to an otherwise plain yarn.

You can also make your own glitz using embellishment threads that are normally used for machine embroidery. Choose either a rayon or nylon thread because they have a higher shine than cotton. I love this option because it is very inexpensive and offers a number of options. First, you can place the spool onto your lazy kate and ply the thread right into the yarn. This can add structure to a very loosely spun single and create a bubble yarn that will enjoy the strength that the thread has to offer as well as the shine.

The thread can also be cut into snippets that are about an inch long. This may sound like more work than it is worth, but there is a very easy way to do this. Hold the spool or cone firmly in a shallow pan. Using a rotary cutter, cut along the side of the spool. The snippets fall into the pan where they can be blended with other colors.

Once you have amassed your snippets, they can be carded into the fiber with hand cards, or a drum carder. Be sure to keep the threads long enough that they can be incorporated firmly into the yarn as it is spun.

Another great source for yarn embellishment is fringe from the upholstery shop. Confetti fringe can be deconstructed and up cycled into your projects. This can be done in a couple of different ways. First, snip the binding threads that hold the fringe together at the top. Depending upon the type of fringe, looped or cut end, this will yield a long strand or strands of threads that can be added to your spinning project. My favorite type of fringe to use is a looped micro-patch fringe that contains three colors of chenille thread. It deconstructs very easily and gives a beautiful result.