I just had some more thought. There are books out there on feathers is one thought. When I took the class they had us draw a straight line -- from left to right and then feather using that line as a stem. Then left to right, then north to south, etc. The curvy's are HARD to do. Also -- looking at the feather above....the feather fronds need to come BACK to the beginning of the frond -- not just to the stem.
I buy sheets at thrift shops ---- or plain fabric...whatever I can find cheap. Walmart sells cheap twin sheets for $5.00 each if you can't find any. Draw with your ruler straight lines.....try to think "quilt" -- do the sashing, a block, border, etc. Having those constraints makes it easier to learn to control your machine.
Hope this helps.