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Trimming with Goose Biots

By Ann  |  4 Jun 2017 18:00:00

Millinery Trims with Goose Biots

These feathers are between 4” and 7” long. They come on a fringe and with ~ 40 per 10cm. They are well worth investigating as they are inexpensive and are available in many shades. With a little work, they become very impactful and can ‘fill out’ a piece

These are, in my opinion, much underrated feathers.

Goose Biots are long spikes with a fronds on one side and a split spine on the other.

So here’s what to do with them.

Curl Them

This can be done either with your thumb nail or the back of a knife. Remove one feather from the fringe. Gently run your nail or knife up the spine of the feather, towards the tip. Repeat this, gently, until the feather curls and the side fronds magically open.

 

Loop Them

Put the kettle on and open the lid. Take a single feather and bend it end to end, so that the side fronds are on the outside. Hold it gently over the steam – watch your fingers. You will see the feather open up. Hold it for a second or two until it is cold. Now make a cuppa!

 

Spiral Them

Again using the kettle to steam them. Take a single feather and wrap it around a pencil or wooden spoon handle.

 

Hold it over the steam for a second. Be careful not to burn your fingers. Hold until cold. You will have an edgy spikey spiral .

 

Knot Them

Take single feathers, and literally tie them in a knot!

The results can be amazing. Especially if you steam the feather open afterwards.

 

All can be placed on to 1mm wire and wrapped with thread.  Start at the tip and work backwards. Glue as you go.

Try mixing tones of the same colour or contrasting colours, like black and white, for definition and interest.

So, still think Goose Biots are uninspiring?

Have fun,

Ann