If you're up for a challenge, try some feathers on a scrap sandwich (that's just two pieces of fabric with batting between, can be 8-12" square or rectangular, what ever you have on hand).
Hooked on Feathers by Sally Terry is an excellent book on doing feathers. JoAnn's carries it, but you can get it online too.
http://www.sallyterry.com/utility/sh.../?objectID=495