If the pieces were done in 1956 with current embroidery flosses and not fancy threads the threads are probably color fast. However, it never hurts to take the extra precautions. Upon my mom passing away I received a lot of her embroidery work as well as works that she inherited from my grandmother. As all were used over the years and laundered many times I never gave color fastness a thought.

Cindy Needham's web site is: http://www.cindyneedham.com/

She was featured in Episode 202: [url]watch/watch-shows/video/show-202-antique-linens-and-textile-revival[/url]

Laura, my Mom does counted cross stitch, and she made a quilt from 50 of her cross stitched State Flower squares a few years ago. A major issue with the embroidery would be if the floss is color fast. If it ran, that would be awful! I imagine that Retayne and a color catcher sheet might help, but I would be afraid to try without testing first. A textile that old (well, it's younger than me ) is going to be quite delicate. My Mom uses a plastic basin, with a little bit of Ivory liquid dishwashing soap and cool water, and just lets her pieces sit in it for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water, by letting it soak a few minutes, and then she lays it on a big towel to let it dry. If it's not really dirty, maybe skip the washing and do what I've seen recommended, vacuum the dust off the surface- cover the hose with a couple of layers of cheesecloth, or they used to recommend pantyhose, to keep the force of the vacuum low. They said don't touch the surface but go about 1/2 inch above the surface.
Doesn't Cindy Needham have a book about using embroidered textiles in her quilts? I remember there was a show with her, what number was it? I would believe what she says more than my not-so-experienced advice.
Kathy

I have 2 hand embroidered pieces that were in picture frames that were made for me in 1956. I have taken them out of the frames and would like to incorporate them into a quilt. They are a on a muslin fabric. I know what i want to do for a quilt, but I am a little unsure as to what to do with the pieces before sewing them in. Do I wash them first? And how? I'm thinking that the quilt would be a wall hanging rather than something that is used all the time. I'd sure appreciate any tips or ideas on what to do with these pieces before I take the plunge.