Ray,
There are 4 different types of cdc feathers. If you bought a pack you probably have mostly type 4, but some of the others as well. Maybe the pattern was using a puff?
here's a link:
http://www.flyfisherman.com/ftb/hwcdc/
From a practical stand point I buy the packs and cdc = cdc and call it good. Heck they've already got me speaking french (freedom feathers anyone?). My flies are scruffy enough and I have enough materials already without cdc x 4 x # colors I use. But you will see oiler puffs sold at a bit of a premium, as well as "cdc" which can include different types but is mostly type 4. If you look in your pack you'll probably be able to spot the different types with the help of the article.
If I had .000000001 % of the tying skills as Hans and some of the other folks on this board, I'd probably be a lot more attentive to the types and their optimal uses, but all have those happening water repellant and air trappiness qualities you'll come to know and love. i just use enough to get it done, which maybe one puff or a few type 4's or whatever whatever and whatever.
As others have said on many cdc threads on the board, don't use standard paste or liquid floatant on cdc, (though some pretreat with Rainex) but a dive and shake in silica gel or other dry powder will restore them and add a great deal of sparkle from trapped air which can be a very good thing for caddis and mayfly emergers.
Hope this helps.
peregrines
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