If you are machine piecing a lap-size quilt, using an easy pattern like Rails, Yellow Brick Road, Take Five, you can cut it all out in one day and two to four days to piece it. I have my quilts quilted at my FQS (Little Blessings, Crossville, TN), so it takes longer to get them quilted. Some others on the Board quilt their own and can give you and idea of how long it takes them. How long it takes you depends on how much time you have, your pattern, and how you are going to quilt it. You can even do what I have done ... I took the pieced top to the shower, so the new mommy could see it; then I took it home and got it quilted and shipped it to her.