Hmmm - I've always had better luck with the pen tool - it allows you to modify the outlining after the fact, and you can do the outlining in multiple steps (not to mention it does wonders for slight curves - plot a point at the beginning, and at the end, and adjust the bezier (sp?) until you;ve got exactly what you want. Command click on the outlne and set whatever feathering ou want and PRESTO - great outline! (I'd be more than happy to help outlining this image if you want.)