It's TOTALLY POSSIBLE to create wonderful FMQ feathers without a long arm! Here are some of mine done on a domestic machine; no stencil. I just mark the spine of the feather, if any marking at all. The white one was marked throughout the design though, because I wanted it symetrical/mirror image. I started learning FMQ a little over 2 years ago and only spend "hobby time" at it since I work full-time.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-108751-1.htm
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-135369-1.htm
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-140069-1.htm
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-95479-1.htm
So, go for it! It takes practice, and I found the quilting feathers on a domestic machine DVD's from Sharon Schamber to be very helpful in improving my technique.
Don't expect great results at first. After over 2 years, I'm finally getting more comfortable about doing feathers. Now they're my favorite/easiest design to do because I've practiced them sooooooooo much!
Wendy