Maura's Illuminated Manuscript

I'll second this..when I make my corsets, I take the inner lining of canvas and decide how many bones I'll have, what pattern and then lay them out, make my sewing lines and then sew the channels for them right in. It's easier on the fingers, machine, etc. And this way, you know how they'll look. Just sew up the bottom, sew the top and then add lining and outer fabric. Viola, corset. I like leaving the top open for a period busk..meaning it only closes in the back...I like the bow...and then sewing a nice binding across the top to close it of...whether or not I've used a modern busk or a period busk.
Good luck with it.