It did fit fairly well laced closed, but corded stays apparently give as they wear in, and I couldn't tighten it as it was so I thought it better to give myself more space. The additional lacing holes have made it sit better over the bust without bowing or going lumpy. It is wonderfully supportive, especially consdering the lack of boning.
I bound the edges with twill tape and used it to fill the gaps between the tabs, and (sorry Bernadette Banner) used metal grommets for the lacing as it will be for daily use:
I may make a separate busk/stomacher that can be added for a more historical sillhouette.
The next distraction from the project I'm supposed to be doing will probably be another set of stays but without the tabs, with a brown, tartany sort of outside fabric, for general underwear and for outer wear as part of a hobbit costume.
