Cleaning Old Framed Embroidery

by Jackie
(Panama City, FL)

In cleaning out my sister's home after her death, I found a piece of framed embroidery she'd done as a gift to our mother years back and reclaimed after Mother's passing a year ago. (Yes, I lost my mom and my only sister within four months of each other.)

It appears to be a cotton backing and cotton thread, though I really have no way of knowing. I also do not know if the thread was pre-washed.

It was done in the 1970s or '80s. It may have been a kit. It is a counted cross-stitch rose with the words, "Nothing is so perfect as a mother's love." It was not under glass and the fabric has some spots onit. The spots may be from it being hung too near a stove or sink. I cannot recall where hung in either of their homes, though I saw it there.

I have been calling around to hobby/craft and fabric stores, dry-cleaners, alterations and embroidery businesses.

I looked online and someone said they'd had good luck with Oxy-clean on such. I have Biz on hand that I have had success with soaking spots out of old Irish lace I bought at a yard sale. Should I try it? The dry cleaner said he'd done some cleaning with mixed results when folks brought pieces in to him. What do you suggest?

The last thing I need is to add to my grief by totally ruining this treasured little piece.