Is there any way to perk up tired feathers? I just can't swing another $50+ for feathers this season to wear once or twice.
I'm not sure about perking them up, but as far as storage is concerned, you should store your feathered hats hanging upside-down, so gravity pulls them AWAY from the head when you're not wearing them; and when you finally do put them on, they will be perky.
Maybe hang them upside down in the bathroom while taking a shower? Just guessing here; that's probably what I would try.
Feather Care (according to what I've up over the years from various natives, shaman, re-inactors, and hippie types)
Dirty?-- feathers can be washed with mild non-reactive soaps (woolite works for me, although it's the only "detergent" that I'd try). Standard practices would be mild organic uncolored/unscented/unflavored types of soap, I think.
Floppy?-- feathers can be steamed to re-shape the vane or quill.. steam till the spine is malleable, and then hang or lie flat so that the spine dries out in the position you want the feather to maintain (this is how people artificially curve feathers which are not inherently curvy)
Ends Curling?-- feathers can be ironed, as long as it's done on a very low setting (wool setting works for me). Most people seem to prefer NOT using the steam on the iron, just use it dry. Iron from spine out towards the ends, and don't stay too long in any one spot, as the feather will heat up very quickly.
No shiny anymore?-- feathers have natural oils when they're attached to the birds which will dry out over time (especially if washed). This oil can be replaced by massaging the feather with your own hands (just like hand-conditioning good rope :) .. another option is to use a light clean oil, sprayed on the hands, and then rubbed into the feathers carefully (the native son that I went to school with said that his father used Skin-so-Soft on his headress to make the feathers catch the light).
Looking "nibbled at"?-- new feathers, especially natural/un-colored ones, may still have microscopic organisms eating away at them. Put your feathers in the freezer for a few days!! And then, store them when not in use as you would any other bug-prone thing.. with a strip of cedar, or some moth balls, or a couple of silicate packets. Letting feathers dry in direct sunlight will also kill feather-eating organisms, but be careful- it can fade the color of feathers (especially artificially colored ones).
--- Hope that helps!
--- Gwendolynn
What a wonderful primer on feathers! Thanks, Gwen!
I learned something today! ;D
Terrific info! Thank you!
I store mine in cardboard tubes. Large size aluminum foil rolls are a good length. It makes transport easier, no breakage or crushing.
And thanks Gwen aka Punstergal that was a great tuturial. I learned a several new things.