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