i know you love it, but who owns it? is it yours or hers? what does she want you to do for her?
i ask because i inherited a beautiful crocheted bedspread that was a perfect example of work at the turn of the century. i was afraid to use it and afraid it would shred. i ended up donating it to a museum with a good textile collection, where it will be properly preserved and displayed from time to time. in my house it would stay hidden in a drawer away from light out of fear of damage. now it can be enjoyed and studied. imo, much better.