One trick I've used (I think I got it off Charlie Craven's website) with tying muddler type flies is to tie in the collar and then to cut off all the butts. Then tie off the thread and cut it.
Next take a small piece of plastic from a baggie, poke a hole in it, and slide it down the shank to the collar. Cover the collar with the plastic and hold it with a piece of lead wire wrapped around the baggie which is wrapped around the collar.
Then re-attach the thread and spin and pack (not too tightly) hair up the eye.
Leave the plastic baggie on until you're done shaping the head. That way you don't mess up and inadvertently chop off the collar.
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