Diane Rose, the Only Known Totally Blind Quilter and Speaker, to Visit Spartanburg

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.

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.