This is not her quilt but is an example of a strip pieced quilt. zephrene, CC BY-ND 2.0, via flickr

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





This also is not her work, but is an example of strips and blocks used to form a design. MountainmadePhotos, CC BY 2.0, via flickr

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.





Although not exactly like the quilt she is describing, this quilt gives you an example of stripped pieces laid horizontally and then vertically. BeckyF, CC BY 2.0, via flickr

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.

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 - 2 or more yards of solid cotton colors, all different shades of the rainbow!

Any cotton fabric with prints for children

Any Christmas print cotton fabric

Thread in all colors, black and white are the ones she uses the most

Rolls of 1/2" and 1" sew-on Velcro

Bags of buttons

Wide bias binding in all colors

Ribbon all sizes and colors

Yard increments of "Wonder Under"

T-Shirt transfer paper

Colorfast sew-in fabric sheets

Schmetz Universal Needles #1709

60mm rotary cutter blades

Diane shares, "And if God can help me do it, He can help you do it."

Make Her Birthday or Christmas Memorable

Diane spends so much time and energy helping others, let's make these special times special for her. She loves her birthday and Christmas. Click here for her latest wish list.

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.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on July 21, 2020:

I agree, Susan!

Susan Hazelton from Summerfield, Florida on December 28, 2015:

What an amazing woman. Not only is she incredibly talented but also a positive person.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on January 16, 2015:

Ibidii - I am so pleased that you enjoyed the hub. I applaud you for following your passions and not allowing your eyesight from stopping you. Blessings to you.

Ibidii on November 24, 2014:

Diane Rose is an inspiring woman! Her work is just awesome! I am partially blind, or legally blind. I have made a few quilts and they are nice but not as perfect as hers! I do a lot of hand sewing and crafts. Great Hub story Cindy!

Joyce Bottoms on February 12, 2013:

All of are quilt club is praying for you,

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on July 04, 2012:

Glimmer Twin Fan - Diane Rose is a remarkable woman for sure!

Claudia Mitchell on June 29, 2012:

Great Story! Thanks.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on March 13, 2012:

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!

Shalah Chayil from Billings, Montana on March 12, 2012:

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

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on February 17, 2012:

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!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on February 16, 2012:

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!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on February 16, 2012:

Daisy Mariposa - Diane Rose is truly an inspiration person. I am in awe of her. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

Sunnie Day on February 16, 2012:

Cindy what an inspiration! Thank you for sharing..

Audrey Howitt from California on February 16, 2012:

Amazing story! Thank you!

DFiduccia from Las Vegas on February 16, 2012:

This is a great hub about a truly inspirational person. Diane Rose motivates you into wanting to do more with your life.

Marisa Hammond Olivares from Texas on February 16, 2012:

homesteadbound - Cindy, this is such a great story. Truly inspirational. I am glad I came back to read it again.

Sharing and voting again! :)

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on February 16, 2012:

Amazing -- the skill is hard enough to do with all your visual faculties intact. Voting this Up and Awesome.

iamaudraleigh on February 16, 2012:

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!

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on February 16, 2012:

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.

Dreamer at heart from Northern California on February 16, 2012:

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.

Daisy Mariposa from Orange County (Southern California) on February 15, 2012:

Cindy,

Thanks for publishing this article. What an amazing, inspirational story!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on February 10, 2012:

molometer - She truly is an amazing and inspirational woman. Thanks so much for sharing, and for stopping by!

Micheal is from United Kingdom on February 09, 2012:

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

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on February 06, 2012:

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!

Shasta Matova from USA on February 05, 2012:

I had heard of her already, but it is great to read the full story and watch the video. Great hub - voted up.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on February 03, 2012:

katrinasui - Thanks so much for reading and commenting!

katrinasui on February 03, 2012:

what a great story, thanks for sharing.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on February 01, 2012:

American View - She truly is an amazing woman. People like her are so special. Thanks so much for stopping by!

American View from Plano, Texas on January 31, 2012:

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

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on November 01, 2011:

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.

cmontijo from Somewhere in the World on November 01, 2011:

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.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on November 01, 2011:

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!

doodlebugs from Southwest on November 01, 2011:

Amazing, It is hard for me to fathom how a blind person could do such visually amazing work.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on November 01, 2011:

TwilightDream - The hub is inspiring because Diane Rose is inspiring, and amazing! Thanks for stopping by!

Kingbell from Chennai, India on November 01, 2011:

what a great inspiring hub! Amazing!! Surprising!!! Thanks for sharing.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 28, 2011:

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!

lpanfil from Cleveland, Ohio on October 28, 2011:

Very cool. I just finished my first art quilt. I can’t imagine making 1,000 quilts!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

raciniwa - thank you, and yes she is indeed an inspiration. May we not stop dreaming, thriving and facing our obstacles head-on. Thanks!

raciniwa from Talisay City, Cebu on October 27, 2011:

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...

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

Cheryl J. - She is truly an inspiration. Thank your for stopping by!

Cheryl J. from Houston, TX on October 27, 2011:

You are an inspiration with your beautiful talents. Truly awesome. Great hub.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

lavender3957 - I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm with you - wow! Thanks for coming by!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

Debby Bruck - She is definite proof that prayers are answered. Thank you for stopping by and blessings to you also!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

jrport - your words made me smile. She is indeed a vision. Thank you for your inspiring words. Blessings to you!

lavender3957 on October 27, 2011:

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.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

Debby Bruck on October 27, 2011:

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

jrport on October 27, 2011:

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

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

Candace Green from OKLAHOMA on October 27, 2011:

This is soooo amazing! I am so inspired, thanks sooo much for sharing!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

L.L. Woodard - thank you so much for stopping by!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on October 27, 2011:

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.

PeanutButterWine from North Vancouver, B.C. Canada on October 27, 2011:

Incredible inspiring and beautiful Hub. I love love those quilts they are just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this story!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

Jo_Goldsmith11 - It is really amazing what the human spirit is able to accomplish!

Thanks!

L.L. Woodard from Oklahoma City on October 27, 2011:

Well-written hub about a very inspirational person.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

Kristin Trapp from Illinois on October 27, 2011:

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.

Jo_Goldsmith11 on October 27, 2011:

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! :)

Carrie Smith from Dallas, Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

homedecorideas from US on October 27, 2011:

Great hub

RTalloni on October 27, 2011:

Contgrats on Hub of the Day! Loving her challenging quote! :)

Beyond from London on October 27, 2011:

This is so inspiring

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 27, 2011:

Such an inspiring hub! Thanks for including so many beautiful photos of her work. Congrats on getting Hub of the Day!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

marellen on October 27, 2011:

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.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

loanyi on October 27, 2011:

Motivation can help you to make your goal a reality as long as you are willing to do it.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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!

Virginia Kearney from United States on October 27, 2011:

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!

Leah Lefler from Western New York on October 27, 2011:

What an inspiration! She doesn't let anything stand in her way - she does beautiful work (from the video). Great hub!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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.

Admiral_Joraxx from Philippines on October 27, 2011:

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.

Marissa from United States on October 27, 2011:

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!!

Marisa Hammond Olivares from Texas on October 27, 2011:

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 ;)

Gofygure on October 27, 2011:

Congrats on Hub of the Day! This is such an inspirational story, thank you for brightening a very dreary Thursday.

Danette Watt from Illinois on October 27, 2011:

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.

DrDuchess from Nowheresville on October 27, 2011:

What an inspiration! Disability shouldn't be an excuse. Thanks for sharing!

Karen N from United States on October 27, 2011:

What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jill Spencer from United States on October 27, 2011:

An inspiring story! Thanks for sharing it--and congratulations on Hub of the Day!

Cousin Fudd on October 27, 2011:

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.

Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill from Borikén the great land of the valiant and noble Lord on October 27, 2011:

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.

Thelma Alberts from Germany and Philippines on October 27, 2011:

What a remarkable woman Diane Rose is! Thanks for sharing. Congratulation and voted up.

Debbie Roberts from Greece on October 27, 2011:

A lady most of us could learn from....An inspirational story and a truly admirable lady... Thank you for hubbing it.

anjperez on October 27, 2011:

what she does is really an example of doing the best at what you can do. she is an inspiration. thanks for sharing!

plinka from Budapest, Hungary on October 27, 2011:

Well-written hub. After reading a few lines, I really got surprised, "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.

asmaiftikhar from Pakistan on October 27, 2011:

voted up dear what an inspiring story.

David Stillwell from Sacramento, California on October 27, 2011:

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!

Londontours from London on October 27, 2011:

Thank you for sharing great information

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 22, 2011:

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.

Denise W Anderson from Bismarck, North Dakota on October 22, 2011:

Wow! What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing!

Cindy Murdoch (author) from Texas on October 21, 2011:

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!