Blind Quilter Makes Quilts in TX, Diane Rose in Waco ~ Texas
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© Copyright 2011 Cindy Murdoch (homesteadbound)
Diane Rose is one of the most amazing people I have ever heard about. Let me share some of the amazing things that she has been able to accomplish in her lifetime.
Ms. Rose began quilting in 1998, and since then has made 100’s of them. When she began in 1998, she made a goal for herself – to make 500 quilts by August 14, 2008 (her 10th anniversary of quilt making). She accomplished that goal. Then she made another goal – to make 1,000 quilts by August 14, 2013 (her 15th anniversary of quilt making) and she has already made a substantial dent in that goal. That’s a lot of quilts.
Ms. Rose is a motivational speaker, teacher and evangelist. She uses her skills to teach about encouragement, reassurance, walking by faith, and putting your talents to work. Her ministry is called “Rose of Sharon Ministries”.
She is also very immersed in the Nashville music scene as a journalist. She has rubbed shoulders with some of Nashville’s top stars, including Charlie Daniels and Loretta Lynn.
All of the above is quite an accomplishment all by itself. But what if I told you that Diane Rose is blind? Yes, I did say blind. And yes, she is. She does not consider her blindness to be a handicap, however, just an inconvenience.
"The way I look at it, if I can do what I have done, without sight, how much can you do?" ~Diane Rose
That’s a remarkable question, and I’m afraid that I have to blush when I read it, because she puts me to shame. When you watch the video (below) you will see that she truly does not consider blindness to be a handicap.
Ms. Rose has been vision-impaired with glaucoma her whole life. In 1984, she was preparing for a miracle to occur in her life – the miracle of sight. That year she was scheduled to undergo a cornea transplant to improve her eyesight. Four days before the surgery was scheduled to take place, however, an unfortunate accident left Ms. Rose permanently blind.
But this amazing woman has not missed a beat. She uses her ‘lack of sight’ to motivate others to reach their full potential. Who wouldn’t be inspired by this woman!
She takes great pride in the fact that Loretta Lynn and President George W. Bush both have quilts of hers. The quilt that President Bush has is hanging in his office at his Texas ranch.
Although this is not her work, this picture provides you with an example of applique work. The hearts are cut out, the edges turned under, and then hand-stitched using tiny stitches securing the hearts to the white background using needle and thread.
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Diane Rose makes her quilts by feel. Through the sense of feel, she does a lot of applique work. She states, “. . . you can feel where the stitch is because it’s smooth against the main part of the quilt, while the part that’s not yet stitched is not smooth.” She does require assistance in the initial cutting out of the applique pieces, but she is able to place them and stitch them with no assistance.
The pieced quilt she makes most frequently, which she is able to assemble without any assistance, is a pattern called the “split rail pattern”. She explains that she will “lay out four pieces of fabric, 12 inches by 3 inches, side by side, and stitch them together to make a square.” She then alternates the squares horizontally and vertically as she assembles her quilt.
She does not sell her quilts during any of her speaking engagements. She explains that she uses them to show what can be done in spite of the obstacles that she has had to face stressing that God has helped her overcome these obstacles. She states, “I couldn’t do it without God’s talent.”
Below is a video of an interview with Diane Rose by Texas Country Reporter. This video also shows her working on her quilts. She essentially sees with her fingers.
Quilting Supplies:
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Barbara Jordan Media Achievement Disability Award
In February 2009, Diane Rose received the Barbara Jordan Media Achievement Disability Award. The Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities honors achievements of Texans with disabilities. Their mission is to advance opportunities for disabled Texans to “enjoy full . . . lives of independence, productivity, and self-determination.”
The Barbara Jordan Media Awards recognizes “outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations of the communications media. . . Contributions are recognized for eliminating attitudinal, social, and physical barriers and encouraging accurate and progressive portrayals of people with disabilities.”
If you would like to help ...
Most of the supplies she uses are donated by people cleaning out closets and attics. If you would like to donate supplies to this amazing woman, the following is always needed:
- Fabrics in cotton or denim, all colors & sizes in good condition
- Thread in all colors
- Rolls of 1/2" and 1" sew-on Velcro
- Wide bias binding in all colors
- Ribbon all sizes and colors
- Yards of "Wonder Under"
- T-Shirt transfer paper
- Colorfast sew-in fabric sheets
- Lexmark #24 and #31 ink cartridges
She is also collecting men’s ties to make a special tie quilt. If you would like to donate supplies, please visit her website.
"And if God can help me do it, He can help you do it."
All Rights Reserved
© Copyright 2011 Cindy Murdoch (homesteadbound)
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Other Inspirational People:
- Pregnant Woman Finishes Marathon
Amber Miller finishes Chicago Marathon just in time... Ms. Miller doesn't let many things stand in the way of reaching her goals...never say never!
Resource Site:
- The Amazing Quilter, The official site of Diane Rose, the only-known totally blind quilter.
Vision-impaired with glaucoma all her life, Rose became blind as a result of an accident in 1984. Not only has that condition not slowed her down, Rose has used it to serve as a means to motivate others to achieve their true potential.
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Comments: "Blind Quilter Makes Quilts in TX, Diane Rose in Waco ~ Texas"Loading...
RNMSN - she is truly amazing because of the joy she has despite her "inconvenience". I just can't imagine how she felt knowing that in four days she was going to have the ability to see, and that was snatched away!
Awesome!
She really is an awesome woman. Thanks for stopping by!
what an inspirational woman...thank you for a beautiful story:)
Beata Stasak - She is an inspiration. I'm am pleased to be able to share the story. Thanks for the visit, hope to see you again soon!
I love these people who have so much to overcome, yet, they persevere and usually become such an inspiration to others. Her work is amazing!
Loquacious Laura - I couldn't have said it better myself. She really is an inspiration. She is so much stronger than I think I could be. Thanks for stopping by!
Another great hub from you! Very inspirational, and beautiful work. Also...100 quilts? And I get lazy thinking about 30 hubs a month. Voted up and beautiful.
Her goal is to make one thousand quilts in that time frame. Truly amazing. She made her goal of 500 in the first 10 years and then upped the ante to the next 500 in 5 years! That is alot of quilts! Glad you enjoyed it.
What an inspiring woman! Thanks so much for sharing her story with us. I love that she doesn't take blindness to be a handicap. It reminds me that something is only a limitation if MAKE it so.
Simone - she really is, and I hope to be able to attend one of her inspirational messages in a town just east of me in February. It should be good!
What an inspiration this woman is. It really puts our own challenges into perspective when you read stories like this. Thanks for the inspiration and your always interesting hubs.
"The way I look at it, if I can do what I have done, without sight, how much can you do?". How very humbling to those of us who can see!
I know a woman very much like Diane. My friend Penny is 86-going-on-40, and she hasn't let a little thing like losing most of her sight to macular degeneration keep her from doing much of what she did when sighted. Stopped driving, of course, and has given up on hiking the Appalachian Trail, but only because she can't find anyone willing to hike it with her! Via audiobooks and a reader who comes in once a week, she "reads" anything that catches her attention. And until two weeks ago, she tatted! I couldn't master that ancient craft fully-sighted, but she learned as a girl and could do it by feel. Only gave it up because her picots were no longer "perfect". ;D
what a wonderful story-- thanks for sharing.
chrisand - she truly is an inspiring woman. I cannot imagine going thru life withiut sight, much less so joyfully! It is wonderful to hear about people who overcome such great obstacles. Her parents did a wonderful job of instilling all the right stuff in her as a young blind child. Great to see you here!
JamaGenee - It really is a humbling statement. But a worthwhile one to consider if we start feeling sorry for ourselves.
Your friend Penny sounds like an awesome lady. It's that unconquerable spirit that is just so thrilling to be around.
I used to tat. It's kind of interesting in that you essentially make a loop and then tat a certain amount of what I call slip knots on the loop and then pull the loop tight and you have done it. Very interesting and time consuming and very easy to mess up when a knot doesn't slip.
I hadn't thought about that in a while. Thanks for bring it back to my memory, and thanks for stopping by.
robie2 - I am so happy that you enjoyed the story! Hope to see you around!
What a most wonderful and inspirational woman! Thank you for introducing me to Diane Rose.
Vicki99 - It was my pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit!
How awful this makes us all feel to know how lucky we are and how little we have done compared to a woman who has never had sight. She is one of the special people sent to this earth. Such a great hub! Beautiful.
Pollyannalanna - She really is amazing. She really has an unconquerable spirit. She is a really special person. I agree with all you have said! Thanks!
Wow! What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
denise.w.anderson - was my pleasure. I think that everyone should read her story. It kind of helps put things in perspective. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for sharing great information
Let me just be the first to say CONGRATULATIONS ON HUB OF THE DAY! HSB: you are truly an amazing women and I enjoy your writings a great deal. Could not have happened to a nicer person!
voted up dear what an inspiring story.
Well-written hub. After reading a few lines, I really got suprised, "Wow, this woman is blind." Such inspiring people always make me feel that everything is possible in life and there's nothing to worry about.
what she does is really an example of doing the best at what you can do. she is an inspiration. thanks for sharing!
A lady most of us could learn from....An inspirational story and a truly admirable lady... Thank you for hubbing it.
What a remarkable woman Diane Rose is! Thanks for sharing. Congratulation and voted up.
I am so happy to see this Hub, before work. I am a Special Education teacher and I will show my students this inspirational woman you presented to us. Bless homesteadbound.
My wife enjoys quilting when she finds the time which in recent years has been scarce. This lady is amazing and inspirational to others who have visual handicaps but still have a desire to be creative.Thanks for sharing.
An inspiring story! Thanks for sharing it--and congratulations on Hub of the Day!
What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing it with us.
What an inspiration! Disability shouldn't be an excuse. Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on Hub of the Day! What an awesome story of someone who won't let adversity keep her from doing what she wants to do. My husband's grandmother was a quilter and it's a beautiful craft.
Congrats on Hub of the Day! This is such an inspirational story, thank you for brightening a very dreary Thursday.
Truly inspirational! What a great hub about an incredible woman! Thank you so much for sharing. I like to use stories like these in my classroom - I'll bookmark this one for sure!
voted up and across - except funny of course ;)
Many people would just become depressed and cease to live if they had the same diagnosis as Diane Rose. This is an amazing story! I hope she is an inspiration to many who might experience similar circumstances. She certainly inspires me to do more while I still have all of my abilities.
Congrats on the Hub of the Day!!
This is unbelievable Homestead, how she do that? She is just amazing. She is such a very encouraging inspiration to us and everyone out there who are still believing in the beauty of their dreams. Let's all continue dreaming! Everything is possible. If we believe! Thanks a lot for sharing this Homestead. 1 up, useful, interesting, beautiful and awesome.
Thank you to:
Londontours
davenmidtown
asmaiftikhar
plinka
anjperez
debbie roberts
Thelma Alberts
Thank all of you for visiting and commenting. And yes, she truly is a remarkable woman.
What an inspiration! She doesn't let anything stand in her way - she does beautiful work (from the video). Great hub!
Hi homesteadbound, I live in Waco and I believe I met Diane once at church, although I did not know about her quilting. Great story. My grandfather was a talented folk artist. When he lost his sight in his late 80s, he learned to make macrame lampshades which each took thousands of knots. He made it a goal to make one for each of his family members--there were a lot since he had 6 children. He made it! Having a goal and thinking positively is so important. Congratulations on having Hub of the day!
Lastheart - That is really special. I would be interested in hearing how they reacted to hearing about her and how she didn't even let blindness stand in her way. Your sharing with them blesses me because I like to help people and I am pleased that you would use my article to encourage. Thanks for stopping by!
Cousin Fudd
The Dirt Farmer
Karen N
DrDuchess
A special thanks to all of you for taking the time to read about this inspirational woman. Thank you for visitin' us here in Texas!
Danette - I used to make quilts. I have a stack of them. There are only so many quilts that a person needs in Texas. But I still like to go to fabric stores and "pet" the fabrics. Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by!
Gofygure - I'm pleased that I was able to brighten your dreary Thursday. it's raining here today and I am so happy. We need the rain so bad. Thanks for stopping by!
Missolive - When you use this in your classroom, I would be very interested in hearing what the kids had to say about this amazing woman. Thanks for visiting, and I'm sure I'll be seeing you around.
Motivation can help you to make your goal a reality as long as you are willing to do it.
ThePracticalMommy - I agree. It could almost be said, shame on us for having the abilities that we have and doing so little with them. It would be very easy to just give up. I think she must have had some pretty amazing parents to instill such values and confidence in her!
Thanks for stopping by!
Admiral_Joraxx - yes, let's all keep dreaming, but then let's do like she did and make those dreams come true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this amazing woman.
leahlefler - you are right. She does not let anything stand in her way! Imagine if more of us were like this. The world would be a lot different. Thanks for stopping by.
What an inspirational story and so fascinating. I tried quilting and it wasn't my thing but she is awesome and her quilts are beautiful....Thank you for sharing this hub with us.
VirginiaLynne - Wouldn't it have been interesting to have known that she had done this and to have been able to talk to her about her quilting?
Your grandfather sounds pretty amazing. And he learned it after he was blind. That is really cool.
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing.
Such an inspiring hub! Thanks for including so many beautiful photos of her work. Congrats on getting Hub of the Day!
This is so inspiring
Contgrats on Hub of the Day! Loving her challenging quote! :)
Great hub
Thank you:
loanyi
marellen
randomcreative
Beyond366
RTalloni
homedecorideas
Thank all of you for stopping by and reading about a very inspiring woman. We have so much we can learn from her. Thanks!
Wow, she lives right near me and I didn't even hear about her story until this post. Thank you so much for sharing it. She's very inspiring. Congrats on being the Hub of the Day!
This is really inspirational! I think it is great that so many folks can be just as talented and gifted despite any obstacle! I voted up and shared on twitter! :)
What a very inspirational woman who definitely makes me feel a bit shameful of letting much smaller obstacles get in my way of accomplishing things. Thanks for sharing this story and enjoy your "hub of the day" day.
applecsmith - I see you live in Dallas. I live north of Dallas and I started writing a hub pages just a couple weeks after you. It's a small world. I'm glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for stopping by.
Well-written hub about a very inspirational person.
Jo_Goldsmith11 - It is really amazing what the human spirit is able to accomplish!
Thanks!
Incredible inspiring and beautiful Hub. I love love those quilts they are just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this story!
Congratulations of Hub of the Day! Well done. Amazing, indeed, what the blind can do, while we sighted folks whine about difficulties in trying to accomplish or even set goals!
A friend of ours is blind in one eye--which is--I won't say worse, but nearly as much of a handicap, as you are deprived of binocular vision, and it takes away your depth perception. Nonetheless, you should see the demonstration he is able to put on with martial arts sword forms!
I have a single, intricately beaded napkin ring. The entire thing is made from tiny seed beads threaded onto fine wire. It was made by a cousin of mine who is totally blind. I've kept it just for the sheer amazement factor.
Thanks for sharing this woman's story.
ktrapp - thank you so much. You are so right, I really need to stop and think before complaining. After all, look at what she has done. It is amazing. Thanks.
L.L. Woodard - thank you so much for stopping by!
PeanutButterWine - Yes there were some really beautiful quilts. I like the way fabrics and patterns work together to create wonderful works of art. Thanks for visiting!
This is soooo amazing! I am so inspired, thanks sooo much for sharing!
DzyMsLizzy - Yes, it is amazing what we as humans can do if we only put our minds to it.
My husband is blind in one eye, and he is able to play basketball, baseball, football, and many other things that you know requires depth perception, but most people are not aware of him being blind in one eye.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your wonderful stories.
Diane Rose may not be able to see, but she is a vision.
A vision of love, inspriation and integrity! I will keep her in my prayers, and thank you for such a heart warming article! jrport
HomeSteadBound ~ Well, Diane is just as huggable as her quilts. Never say never, when you ask for spiritual assistance, answers to prayers, and believe you can contribute to humanity. She has surpassed all expectations. Blessings, Debby
singingmommy - if this woman did not inspire it would be hard to get inspired. She is indeed amazing. I have a couple other amazing people I plan to write about in the future. I just wish there were more hours in the day.
Thanks for stopping by!
Fantastic hub, it is just amazing what she can do. I admire her strength and talent. All I can say is wow!Thanks for sharing.
jrport - your words made me smile. She is indeed a vision. Thank you for your inspiring words. Blessings to you!
Debby Bruck - She is definite proof that prayers are answered. Thank you for stopping by and blessings to you also!
lavender3957 - I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm with you - wow! Thanks for coming by!
You are an inspiration with your beautiful talents. Truly awesome. Great hub.
Cheryl J. - She is truly an inspiration. Thank your for stopping by!
wow...Congratulations for being awarded Hub of the day...and yes, Diane Rose is a wonderful woman...an inspiration to all that one must not stop dreaming, thriving, and facing all the obstacles in life...great work...
raciniwa - thank you, and yes she is indeed an inspiration. May we not stop dreaming, thriving and facing our obstacles head-on. Thanks!
Very cool. I just finished my first art quilt. I can’t imagine making 1,000 quilts!
I've made quite a few quilts. I can't imagine making a thousand and I can see! What you said is so true! Thanks for stopping by!
what a great inspiring hub! Amazing!! Surprising!!! Thanks for sharing.
TwilightDream - The hub is inspiring because Diane Rose is inspiring, and amazing! Thanks for stopping by!
Amazing, It is hard for me to fathom how a blind person could do such visually amazing work.
doodlebugs - she is indeed an amazing women. It is hard for me to imagine it also, because I have made quilts and know how much work goes into one. I can't even imagine 1000!
Thanks for stopping by!
This is something awesome, so many people around that have their bodies fully functional and lacking of motivation and inspiration to be productive in life...:) thanks for this awesome Hub really liked it.
cmontijo - She really does put many of us to shame. It's like she said, if she can do the things that she does blind, we really have no excuse. Thanks for stopping by and reading. I am glad you enjoyed it.
A truly amazing and talented woman. I saw a story about her a while ago here on the local news. I checked out her website and she has beautiful quilts. You did a great job writing about her and giving her the honor and recognition she deserves. Up Awesome and across the board
American View - She truly is an amazing woman. People like her are so special. Thanks so much for stopping by!
what a great story, thanks for sharing.
katrinasui - Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I had heard of her already, but it is great to read the full story and watch the video. Great hub - voted up.
Millionaire Tips - She is truly an awesome lady. I think the video adds so much that words just cannot even begin to describe. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Top class hub Cindy on a top class woman. What an amazing inspirational story.
How on earth does she do it. I am watching the video and I cannot believe her talent. Truly incredible.
My mother always told me you can always help someone. No matter how bad thing's may seem there is always someone you can help somehow.
Count our blessings.
Voted up Interesting and useful SOCIALLY SHARING
molometer - She truly is an amazing and inspirational woman. Thanks so much for sharing, and for stopping by!
Cindy,
Thanks for publishing this article. What an amazing, inspirational story!
You are such a great example to so many people of how hope and determination can prevail. Thanks for sharing this hub with the world.
Wow. Wow. Did I say wow? What an incredible, beautiful story, Cindy!! I've been told that I could go blind at any time in my life (I only see out of one eye and the other is functional, and hopefully stays that way!). This is such an inspiration to so many people. Voted up and SHARING.
Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo much for sharing this piece. It's amazing what one can do without the sense of sight! It definitely sharpens her other senses allowing her to make incredible works of art!
Amazing -- the skill is hard enough to do with all your visual faculties intact. Voting this Up and Awesome.
homesteadbound - Cindy, this is such a great story. Truly inspirational. I am glad I came back to read it again.
Sharing and voting again! :)
This is a great hub about a truly inspirational person. Diane Rose motivates you into wanting to do more with your life.
Amazing story! Thank you!
Cindy what an inspiration! Thank you for sharing..
Daisy Mariposa - Diane Rose is truly an inspiration person. I am in awe of her. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
starstream - Thanks for your compliments. Diane Rose is truly inspiration in not only what she has been able to accomplish in her life, but also with the attitude in which she approaches life. Thanks so much!
cclitgirl - my husband has been almost totally blind (he sees only light and dark) in one eye since his adolescence. I pray the same happens with you. But yes, you can say WOW again, because she is amazing.
iamaudraleigh - it truly was my pleasure to write this piece. This lady is so amazing - I could not help but be inspired.
alocsin - I have made quite a few quilts myself so I know the difficulty that you speak of. It is amazing that a blind person can accomplish the task.
missolive - I am pleased that you enjoyed this woman's story!
DFiduccia - It is easy to see how she could be a motivational speaker for sure. She sure does have a story to share!
AudreyHowitt - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Sunnie Day - And just think, we are all from Texas.
Thanks so much for sharing my birthday with me. This was a great gift to have so many respond. Thanks so much!
Now here is a picture of our God in action in someone who KNOWS He is IN her being empowering her to blossom and be fruitful. AMEN
ShalahChayilJoy - It is obvious by her ministry and her quotes that God has blessed her in her area of need, but more importantly has used her weakness to minister to many. Thanks so much!
RNMSN Level 6 Commenter 7 months ago
what a wonderful testimony of joy of life and perseverance in the face of obstables! the Lord is good to her isn't He!