How to flatten curved Flank Feathers
Not every Flack Feather is usable, some have ragged tips, or large portions of the hackle is missing, There are some salvageable hackle, if you are willing to do a little extra work.....
Sometimes the Flack Feathers, have to much of a curve in their hackle stem, for use in a fly pattern. But they can be flatten, to be of use.
Lay a towel down on a flat surface, and place your curved fly feather on the towel and fold part of the towel over the feather, then steam it with a steam iron. When you have steamed it enough, remove the feather, then place it between a folded sheet of wax paper, and place it under a big book.
~Parnelli :D