thanks rayhill.

scott- that's a really good idea... I've never messed with split thread hackling, I've done split thread dubbing, not often mind you, but removing the quill would eliminate the biggest part of the bulk...

through messing around today, selecting feathers with thinner quills, and using the 1 wrap and catch method, i reduced the bulk considerably... but i gotta try that...

here is a pic of one dressed a bit further, with a lot less bulk...
WP_20131110_16_16_54_Pro20131110163345.jpg

i liked the one i made for my brother so much i wanted one myself lol
a bit more going on, but basically the same concept... i squeezed at least 2 more feathers on the treble this time