Sturdy frame construction is KEY; essential. I like the fancy dance bustle plate at nocbay.com
They use a very heavy metal for support of the feathers which will last throug a couple pow-wow seasons. I make bustles for younger males, so they soon outgrow them after a few seasons.
It is advised that you use FOUR strands of sinew through the quill instead of two. It lets me sleep at night.
I also use the old light bulb method of straightening the feathers and have to go back for two days to make sure they are holding their shape. If you work on other aspects of your bustle, you will be able to go back after 2-3 days and further straighten your feathers again after the initial straightening, because they will always try to return to thier original shape regardless of how good you straighten them in the beginning of the project.
So, good luck and i am glad to be able to talk to everyone.
Gary
kunu_ahuska69@hotmail.com