I am a Longarmer and when a cust give me tops to have by a cetain date,they get them. If "life" happens,I call themASAP. Quilt Gifts are very important to give to a person and it takes times to put the binding on after you get it back.
If a cust tells me,,,get it done and there is no time frame,I still try to get it within 4to 6 wks because I don't want it hanging in my house.
If it is a custom or heirloom,that is a diff story because they do take alot longer to do.
If you have it in writing with a firm DD,then by all means call the LA and light a fire under her. She knew that she gave a DD and she has to meet it. If her DD's are too short for her,then she has to make it longer and if she gets them done earlier,then it's a win win.