Haha, I meant "real" in the sense of getting a second corset panel kit to practice with (this is what I got from amazon). I've got spiral metal boning in every seam of the bodice, plus the corset kit I got for the actual dress has some boning in it's little loop panels as well so I imagine that is what will help keep that part of the corset sitting straight as opposed to being pulled weirdly like my twine. I like the eyelet tape idea.
So, then, for the raising of the pattern piece, I would just trace it out on my paper and then add the inch to just the side and back pieces, or would I need to also add the inch to the sweetheart too so that it still keeps the sloping look?
Thank you so much for your help and suggestions! I'm probably just overthinking everything, but I guess the pressure of making your own wedding dress can do that to a person :D