Soiled Doves in the Window

All it took was a quilt challenge and countless hours of my life to transform the paisley fabric into a wall hanging.  When I purchased the fat quarter from the Nevada State Quilt Guild, I immediately thought of brothels and knew my quilt would explore the impact Nevada brothels made in the early west and continue making today.

Seeking inspiration from the book, Soiled Doves by Anne Seagraves, I first contacted the author to seek permission to use prints from her book.  As we chatted I learned that the price of photos, many which she purchased for the one time use of publication, was far outside my budget. I already knew that I would piece the traditional quilt block, Dove-in-the-Window.  My son-in-law, Marcel suggested I showcase the Mudflap girls in the pattern so I contacted them and they offered permission as long as it was for personal use and would not be sold.  As I contemplated options, I decided I wanted to be subtle and rely on the eye of the beholder to see what s/he could see.  I would be brazen and bold in a very tasteful manner.  Soiled Doves in the Window began unfolding.

I selected a pink cotton floral print to use with the challenge fabric and then reached far outside the traditional quilting circle to select a fabric used for sari's, a 100% polyester blend.  It was horrible to work with and I decided to use interfacing on each piece to provide stability and control raveling.  It was even more challenging to quilt as I wanted to do very traditional quilting - feathers and cross hatching.  I had to quilt part of the wall hanging from the backside  because I couldn't see markings on the dark fabric.

There are eight rectangles that I used to sew the names of brothels, some which closed their doors and shut their lamps years ago while others are still operating under neon signage and providing room tax money to rural counties.  Their names are as colorful as the women working there - Red Rooster, The Kit Kat Ranch, Mustang Ranch, Love Ranch, Salt Wells Villa, Desert Dollhouse, Chicken Ranch, Cherry Patch Ranch and Old Bridge Ranch.  I don't know if these "Ladies of the Night" had much time for quilting but I would venture to guess that many offered comfort under bed quilts.

So, it is finished and I turned in my quilt and entry form today.  It will be a long year before those soiled doves return.  I'll put a red bulb in my porch light when they come back....in celebration of course.