I have decided that I will one day make the repairs..I don't need to worry about the top because I think that I can repair that by simple stitching the fabric strips back in place...I do need to make a couple of repaires or patches to the back because there are a couple of tears in the sugar sack back..but I can perhaps just use muslin and hand sew large squares to cover the tears..to protect the back...
For washing, I am thinking that perhaps a gentle wash in the machine - line dry - or perhaps tumble try - but this one would have never seen a dryer because you don't find dryers in private homes in Cuba......
I do want to be able to have this has a completed item - that can be used...it does have such special memories - and Romaila does expect me to do the repairs.....
It certainly is a one of a kind item..I don't want to take away from the original work that she did with her MIL - but I just want to be able to have it repaired......