General News
1 August, 2025
CWA Hopetoun learns the art of candlewicking
The Country Women's Association Hopetoun ladies worked on 'Candle Wicking' crafts during their July monthly meetup at the Hopetoun Neighbourhood House.
Candlewicking is a form of white-work embroidery that traditionally utilises unbleached cotton thread on unbleached muslin.
It gets its name from the nature of the soft spun cotton thread, which was braided and then used to form the wick for candles.
It originated from the pioneer times of America, a period when women had limited access to various fabrics and threads.
CWA Hopetoun president Sue Afford said it was something new for the group, and gave members an insight into the ancient craft.
"It's something new we learnt in this monthly meeting, and it's also the craft of the year for CWA Victoria, one of the reasons we chose it for our July meeting, " she said.
"This candle wicking embroidered stuff is very useful in almost all areas of our homes.
"I think what we found out is amazing, and we appreciated what American ladies used to do with so few resources at that time.
"And how fortunate we are with all the textiles and technologies we have now."
The CWA Hopetoun branch will celebrate its 90th anniversary at Halls Gap Cottage on November 8 this year, marking the year it was established in 1935.
CWA Hopetoun has six members, including Sue Afford, the president, and Chris Grogan, who serves as the secretary of the group.
The Hopetoun branch of the Central Wimmera Group CWA in Victoria invites everyone to join their monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month.