My mother (86) has a dear neighbor, Lorraine (75). Lorraine had this piece of REDWORK and asked if I thought it was worth saving. Could not believe my luck that today's topic is redwork. Never heard of it before, but suspect that this is made up of "penny squares". Very thin, delicate muslin. Done in about 5 different tones of deep pink/red/burgundy thread. Size is 7 x 9 blocks ... appox 56"x 72".
Lorraine's mother (Marie) obviously worked on this in 1910. A friend (Niada) helped with the squares.
NEED HELP to quilt and preserve this beautiful piece of work. My plan ....
1) spray glue top to unbleached muslin to re-enforce it.
2) hand launder to remove dirt and stains.
3) dry flat on floor so that red thread (if not colorfast) will not run.
4) back with either unbleached muslin or flour sacks.
5) machine quilt with off-white thread around the blocks which are NOT sewn in straight rows. So I'll have to work this as best I can. Do not want to tie this... would distract from embroidery.
NEED YOUR SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS. This is much too precious not to preserve it.
See other new posting "5 Treasures from Grandma".

Even if I were hand washing this, I think I would put a color catcher in the water just in case. Color catchers work well and are inexpensive insurance against bleeding.

It's so beautiful, a real treasure. I can't recomend how to treat it, I just don't know enough. Perhaps there is a textile conservator on the forum or near you. I'd tend to not do anything without expert advise.

I have no advise for you but just wanted to say that it is beautiful!

Man O Man what a treasure.. I have no idea what to do with this but yu are a LUCKY woman to have it in your possession!

wow that is a treasure, its beautful, sorry I cant help you

wow that is so interesting what a treasure

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! That is beautiful

I have no advise for you but just wanted to say that it is beautiful!

that is so wonderful. What size are the blocks.