Shane - That was just luck. As a general rule of thumb, the difference between the various grades of hackle lies in the quantity and usuable length of feathers of a given size on the neck. You'll be able to tie more flies of a given size with a higher grade cape.
Charlie Collins is well known for his good prices, and if you know what to look for, you can get some good bargains. The capes you got were a FIERY bargain. Charlie screwed up when he skinned some of those capes on the bargain table. He cut off some of the tiniest feathers, and being the nice guy that he is, decided to sell them cheap. They should have been top grade capes. There was still enough of the little stuff to make them a great deal. His little "seminar" on hackle was spot on, too. Free is always cool.
At $10 - $15 per cape, you made out like a bandit - I did too! You're set for years to come. That dark cape I gave you in your "care package" a few weeks back will work just fine for black. We need to get you some moth balls to store them with. If you'd like to do another tying session this weekend, lemme know and I'll bring you some. Another option is to get some flea and tick collars from the dollar store, and cut them up into strips to put in with your materials. I use cedar blocks for the less expensive stuff, as it's easier on you, but they're not as effective as mothballs.
Another thing we should work on is a dedicated tying area. Gotta get that expensive stuff up and out of the way of paws, jaws, and prying little fingers. ;-)
