What a shame. If your MIL's health is declining quickly, and you want to get something to her TODAY, then you might consider <gasp> buying a soft and beautiful throw, rather than making a quilt. If it gets lost/stolen, you can just buy another, and she will still have something to hold and enjoy. At this stage of her life, I think she will appreciate the love behind the gift and seeing that you care, and the difference between something hand made and store-bought will not matter.