Mimi don't be scared! They're only feathers, worse they'll do is tickle you! LOL Seriously, anyone whose tried feathers the backtracking way and given up (like I did!) try this way - it's much easier. (I SHOULD be on commission, the sales job I'm doing for Sally Terry!) There are lots of ideas for variations in the book too - once I'm happy with the basics, I can't wait to give some of those a try!