As many of you know, I quilt on a LA not a domestic but when doing feathers (my favorite motif) I always, always, always mark the spine. I like swirly switch back feathers better than straight feathers so I do one side then either tie off or travel down the spine or echo and do the other side. I also, can only make feathers going from bottom to top but I can do them facing in any direction, side ways upside down on a diagonal but I must always travel from the "bottom" of my spine (even if the bottom is on the top!). This is my own shortfall. If you can travel from the top down that is awesome. I also use the hump and bump method of making feathers. I have made hook feathers and puff top feathers too, they are fun. Quilt E do what ever is most comfortable for YOU! There are no strict rules about how you make your feathers. You need to do what feels best to you and gives you the results you like the most. When I first started, I drew them on paper a LOT. Now I can make feathers as easily as signing my own name.