Definately get yourself a back-up machine if you can afford one. There is nothing worse than be itching to sew and your machine is broken or in the shop. Once you have a machine, start right in on the lap quilts. I can't concentrate on a new project with a deadline hanging over my head. He promised a stack? How many would they be happy with 4, 5...10? Get a number in your head and find an easy pattern like the 1600 and you can whip them out. What about using a panel instead? There are some great ones out there just begging to be stitched up.