I am sorry this happened to you but you should know you are not alone. I have heard of two other experiences like this where the LAQ quit in the middle of a project and still made the customer pay to get their top back. This is so bad on so many levels. Both, however, were able to remove all of the stitches that were done and I was able to quilt in an all over pattern and save the quilts. I suggest you do not wash the top yet. Take it, or send it to a reputable LAQ and get their opinion about how to move forward. They will be able to give you better information when they are able to look at your piece in person. Good luck.