I have a vintage silk cape, lined along the bottom edge in white
ostrich feathers.  I was caught wearing this cape in a very heavy
rainstorm - you know, the kind when you're soaked down to your
knickers after 3 seconds in it.  The silk dried fine, the feathers
dried in the shape they were when the were drenched - drooping
downward.  They are still pretty fluffy, but have dried in a most
depressing posiition.
Whilest researching, I have read that steam is good, and I have read
that steam is bad.  I have read that I should boil sugar and place
them over the heat (this simply must have some negative consequences,
though probably would smell great if the sugar doesn't burn).  I'm not
sure what to believe, and when I sent it to the cleaners they steamed
it and the feathers stayed the same.  I'm certain they can be
restored, as all animal type products can once they're wet (ostriches
do get wet in the ostrich kingdom).
How can I restore my ostrich feathers to their original shape?
Thanking you in advance for any help in this matter. 
Fashionably yours, jane

I'd use my hairdryer, on low, and held at a careful distance. 

Maybe you'll get some ideas for feather care from this site: 

http://www.flylady.net/pages/FlyDuster1.asp

and this one: http://www.featherfans.net/websitetext.html

Good luck.

I forgot to add, though, that in the second site recommends using oil
on the feathers. I certainly wouldn't do that.

hallo stressed-mum, 
thank you for your answer.  i'm reluctant to completely wet the
feathers again, but will try the hairdryer solution on a sample area
of the cape.  drying upside down (as in feather duster site) is not
possible, as it's lined across the bottom.  and yes, oil is not coming
near my vintage piece! :)
i'll post the results of the experiment once i've tried it.
thx.

blowdryer does not work for my specific problem.  though each
individual feather seemed slightly fluffier, they the dryer did not
make them stand tall again.  will try yet another dry cleaner in new
york.