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Question: How can I research the influences, styles, fabrics and embellishments used in bag design from the 1800s to the present day, and techniques of applying surface design onto fabrics that would be suitable for bag design?

I'd suggest visiting any museums, textile exhibitions, etc, you can get to to see what has been/is being done. Also look at the work of fashion designers throughout the period.

Three books I'd recommend are

• Making Embroidered Bags and Purses, Gisela Banbury and Angela Dewar, Blandford, 1991, ISBN 0-7137-2201-0 - many ideas for construction and surface decoration
• Embroidery Studio, The Embroiderers' Guild, David and Charles, 1993, ISBN 0-7153-9905-5 - exploration of the way historical influences can generate designs. Includes contemporary design inspired by bags, and bags inspired by historical pieces
• Embroidered Textiles, Sheila Paine, Thames and Hudson, 1990, ISBN 0-500-23597-X - embroidery from all over the world, includes some examples of bags.

What other questions have been asked?

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