I find doing feathers difficult at best, and usually end up doing them upside down so I can actually see where I am going. My biggest issue is how to have a continuous pattern and not sew same area over. I love the way they look, just not very good at doing them, so while I have no help for you, I can sympathize completely. I know making the transition from drawing on paper to sewing is not easy, takes lots of practice. Keep at it, it does get easier.