Hi. My name is Jake and I'm a...

fiber addict!

Okay, so this isn't news to those who know me. Still, I wanted to explore just how sick my sickness is.

I walk into my home office/studio each day, prepared to focus on my paying work, which may or may not involve the quilt industry depending on the day's assignments, and I really, really intend to work. But first, I must check my emails. And since I'm on just about every mailing list involving quilt shops, thread/fabric manufacturers, sewing machine companies, retreats, shows, museum and online communities--all devoted to my addiction--it takes me a while to get to the paying work.

Probably takes me longer since seeing all of those ads and input into my obsession causes me to turn around and peruse the stacks of half-finished quilts sitting just behind me. "Sew me" they call to me, in a beautiful harmonic convergence of my favorite solitary pasttime.

"I can't" I say. "I have a deadline."

"But you said you loved us! Why won't you finish us?"

"Well, I do love you. So much that I bought some more friends for you this past weekend. See that new Moda jelly roll in the corner? One day that will be your little sister. And you see those stunning 1/2 yards of Hoffman batiks I picked up with my birthday discount from our favorite shop? That's going to be your Uncle Lonestar when I get to him. So I do love you. I just can't spend any time on you right now."

The tops sulk back into their stack, quietly pouting their lack of attention. I feel guilty. But what can I do? I have to work.

I turn back to my Hotmail account, revving up to start working, but there waiting for me is the weekly e-newsletter from my favorite online shop, showing me the new arrivals. OHMIGOSH! Look at that quilt! I have to have that Crabapple Hill pattern! See, it involves redwork embroidery, so I can even take the project with me. That means there's a fighting chance to complete it, if I'm carrying to all of Sam's extra-curricular activities. Yeah, that's the way to go.

Hey you know what else is portable? Wool applique. I wonder if I can find any kits online? It'll only take a moment to search...

Three hours later, I've expanded my already-extensive family of quilt projects by seven, and the pile calls to me again:

"Did you see how much time you just spent buying the new additions? You could have finished quilting my border in all of that time. And, where are you going to put all of these newbies, anyway? Your cabinets are already popping open and need I remind you that there is no more hidden stash potential in Samantha's closet, the hall closet downstairs, the once-empty suitcase, the sewing machine travelling bag, the space under the guest room bed, the trunk of your car..."

Okay, I get it, I get it. But, it's not my fault. I have a disease. And I will finish you. I promise. Just as soon as I meet my deadline...