I think it all depends on the quilter. I have sent a quilt to a LA for the first time the first week of September and when mentioned early October, she almost returned the quilt to me then and there. She said early November at the soonest. I have seen her work and choose to adjust my schedule. I suspect, like you, that the quilter has either over booked herself or has a backlog. My quilt is more than lap size but less than a single. Since it is now mid October I am starting to get anxious to see my quilt. Patience, Patience, Patience.