Has anyone noticed the shortage of feathers lately?  The change in clientale?  The appearance of feathers in the social and style magazines? 

The world of fly fishing feathers has changed!  It no longer belongs exclusively to the sport of fly fishing!  I can tell you that in the last six months I have sent as much material to women as I do to men.  When I noticed the change in my customer base, I started asking my female customers where all the "pretty" feathers were going.  They started giving me the names of sites such as Etsy and other craft and handmade sales sites that feature items made with feathers. 

I have been amazed!  The feathers that we find so appealing for fishing flies are now being made into earrings, hair extensions, brooches, hats and wedding bouquets!  Apparently, the "feather phenomenon" started on the fashion pages of magazines and women were paying attention.  My daughters tell me that a girl pop star named Kesha routinely wears feather earrings, along with Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Biel and others - and the trend caught on.  I wouldn't know Kesha if she walked in my front door but she sure has broadened my customer base!

So, if your own feather stock is dwindling at home and you don't know why - check with your wife and daughters - they may be wearing them from their ears!