were the "plumes" as you call them stiched on as the quilting or a piece of fabric? if it was an added piece of fabric start looking at applique quilts. but if it was a whole cloth quilt and stitched plumes, or quilted, it's a technique of quilting called feathering. We have a couple of experts in that on this board. good luck! and if this doesn't help, maybe try to find a similar picture to post to help us get a better visual? i'm very visually oriented so if i have a picture for reference i'm good to go :)