"Stan Gula" wrote in message
news

One of the techniques I've been taught (we have two popular regional
flatwings in my neighborhood) is to strip off the base fibers. Measure
the
feather against the hook so the tips are just beyond the tail (or whatever
length you want). Measure it about 1/16 inch longer than you want it.
Strip off all extraneout fibers so you have bare stem. Take 3 or 4 wraps
of
thread, and when you have the feather positioned on top of the hook, right
where you want it, pull the stem so about 1/16 inch gets pulled under the
thread. This will trap some fibers and compress the feather into the
shape
you want. If something goes wrong, unwrap and try again. It helps if you
dampen the feather and stroke the fibers into shape - the best feathers
don't need that step.

Another technique, if you're less worried about perfect appearance is to
use
a rolled wing. This is a way to use up your less than perfect feathers.
Strip off a bunch of fibers or pretty equal length. Roll them between
finger and thumb to mix them and tie in like a hair wing. Sometimes you
can
do that with a whole feather but the stem usually causes problems.


This info would be very helpful. Thanks!!