Mike,
I use a bodkin to open a slot in the feather for the wire; seems to work okay. Here's a few pics from the Brown Trout Parr SBS I put together a while back
prepare 2 well-marked feathers per side; measure for length and strip fibers off one side (except for tail)
tie in wing at head
pull wing back along hook, spread fibers at tail
wrap wire, Matuka style, through wing to the front; helicopter wire and tie off
Didn't mention the part about the bodkin, but that's how I did it; hope this helps.
Regards,
Scott