[SUBMITTED PHOTO]This is a small section of a large coverlet and shows the detail of an embroidery technique called “candlewick.” Soft cotton thread was braided and used to form the wick for candles, which was plentiful and strong. Women used this wick and it came to be named candlewicking. The stitches making the design are primarily colonial knots and did not use a lot of thread. They and the unbleached muslin back held up to a lot of use. The woman who made this candlewick coverlet was either Catherine Brugh or her daughter, Elizabeth Peters, for her wedding trousseau. Henry Firey and the date August 1820 decorate one side. Although it is part of the Botetourt County Museum collection, this coverlet is on exhibit at the Historical Society of Western Virginia until November 2. It is part of the special show called “Botetourt County: 250+ 1 Years of Delight” located in the O. Winston Link building.
