Diane Rose, the only known totally blind quilter and speaker, to visit Spartanburg
Spartanburg, SC – Diane Rose, the only known totally blind quilter and speaker, will visit Spartanburg on Friday, May 8, 2015 at Chapman Cultural Center. She will provide a brief presentation 2–2:30 p.m. in Center’s West Wing Conference Room. Attendees will learn how a blind woman threads a needle, hand stitches, and hand quilts. From 2:30 until 3 p.m. there will be a question and answer session. Merchandise will also be on sale.
Currently, the public may see one of her quilts on exhibit at Chapman Cultural Center. The quilt is extra king size and is made from men’s neckties that she collected from friends in Spartanburg. The quilt is on exhibit until May 31. It will be on exhibit at Mobile Meals June 1-June 30.
Daniel Boutellier, a 15-year Mobile Meals volunteer and supporter, was intrigued by Rose’s ability to sew these beautiful quilts completely blind. “Daniel wanted to bring awareness to Diane Rose’s ability, while also using this as an opportunity to raise funds for Mobile Meals,” President/CEO of Mobile Meals Jayne McQueen said. Mobile Meals is selling $5 raffle tickets for the quilt to raise funds for senior hunger. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Mobile Meals. The drawing will be held on July 1.
About Diane Rose:
Rose born with glaucoma, seeing only colors and images through her left eye. She could never read print. After attending public school she became involved in the country music industry and the Grand Ole Opry. Her involvement in journalism and radio lead to a position as a blind tour guide in Nashville.
In 1984, four days before a scheduled cornea transplant, her cornea ruptured resulting in total loss of vision. This experience caused Rose to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Lord. She moved to Texas and met Pat Ratley, who introduced her to quilting.
While Rose was visiting Ratley she found a quilt on the couch and traced it with her finger. Ratley said, “If you would like to quilt, I would be honored to teach you.” On August 14, 1998, Rose began cutting material with a rotary cutter for her first quilt. On August 14, 2008, Rose completed her 500th quilt on the 10th anniversary of her ministry. She gives Glory to God. Rose frequently shares her story by visiting schools, churches, and various organizations.
Rose has been featured on the front page of various newspapers, and by local radio and television stations across the country, as well as in “The Quilter” magazine in July of 2006. She was a major feature on Bob Phillips’s “Texas Country Reporter,” which airs locally in Texas and on the RFD television network. Her quilted flag of Texas is displayed in the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Rose designs her personal clothes with little assistance and looks forward to God’s continued direction in her life.
How does a blind person sew and quilt? Quilters select their material and their design. A friend cuts the material according to specifications. Rose visualizes patterns and colors. Quilt tops are pieced on the sewing machine. The top, batting ,and back are then put together and also sewn on the sewing machine. Quilts are completed in one to three weeks.
About Mobile Meals of Spartanburg
Mobile Meals of Spartanburg serves 6,000-plus meals a week -- Monday through Friday with 150 volunteers from communities throughout Spartanburg County. Meals are cooked each day at its main location, 419 East Main Street, Spartanburg, and delivered by the volunteer in their vehicles. Mobile Meals vans deliver to drop sites in the county. Local churches and businesses partner with Mobile Meals to deliver meals. The $1.7 million annual budget is raised through fundraisers, grants, businesses, churches, and many individual donations. The organization is private and not a government-funded program. For more information, visit Mobile Meals website www.mobile-meals.org.