PBase

I know i can achieve this using the lasso tool but quite often make selections or paths via the pen tool , can these selections be feathered in anyway, if they are very irregular and how do others create seperate layers from a selection made with the pen tool

You can combine multiple paths on the layers palette. That should give you what you want

Also, right-click on the path in your paths palette, then choose, "Make selection". The next dialog box will give you a choice of feather radius for the selection.