Im sorry for your loss. loss is a great motivator. you find you are capable of things you didnt know you had in you.
I hope I can help you with your quilting question
ok! use the string idea to draw your circle, I use newspaper taped together, and a big marker. its super cheap! then you can draw how big you want your smaller pieces to be. dont cut up your circle, you want it for referance later. get printer paper and trace each section and number so they dont get mixed up, then add your seam allowance on to each piece. when your fabric pieces are all sewn together you can use your newspaper circle to compare the fabric circle and do any trimming or resewing that is needed.
Good luck!