maryb119

I hand stitched binding while my dad was in surgery. A quilt is a great conversation starter. The hand stitching helps to pass the time.

suern3

I picked up an embroidery project to work on during my husband's heart surgery a few years ago and I've had a project prepped and ready to go since then. It does really help pass the time while waiting at appointments and as someone else said, it is a good conversation starter. Actually, I like to work on it in the evenings, too, while the TV is on. Take a look at http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/. They have some of the best embroidery patterns, in my opinion. Some quilt shops carry their patterns, also. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your father.

Dolphyngyrl

have you thought about doing a millefiore

Barb in Louisiana

A lady I knew cut hundreds of small squares, about 2" and then started sewing them together, two by two. Then when she could get to an iron, she pressed the seams, then went for 4 patches. They were pretty. She used 1 color as the alternate...in her case, white...to keep the continuity going.

zennia

How about some wool applique. No raw edges to turn under. Small Christmas gifts.

SSStitches

I have carried a tote with embroidery squares. Also have made a bunch of yo-yos. Later they became quilts.

JustAbitCrazy

I have a small zippered fabric bag (like a makeup bag) the I keep full of needed items to hand piece nine patches, and take that with me. It has already marked seam lines (for hand piecing) on fabric squares, needle, thread, small scissors, the plastic template for marking the seam lines and a marking pencil. I'm making the nine patches in scrappy bright colors, and eventually they will become a Jack's Chain quilt. That's the one with nine patches joined together by triangles into circles, making a kind of Double Wedding Ring pattern.

sinceresissy

I love 2-1/2 squares. I usually have a plan of how I want to sew them together but it is so easy and I can even cut from a 2-1/2 template if I need to. If I want to make is real simple - no thinking - I will have a main color like black or dark green or white - whatever and just sew a scrap next to the main color and alternate. Really easy - no thinking. It turns out good.

Jordan

What about some red work. I went and spent 3 weeks staying with grandkiddos while parents out of town and I marked several blocks and did the redwork while there. Kiddos were 9 and 12 yo so just needed to be there to run them to extra dance and soccer practices. I had a lot of down time and enjoyed working on the redwork.
Prayers for your Dad for a successful surgery.

citruscountyquilter

I always have an English Paper Piece project on the go and take those. Lucy Boston blocks are taking my interest now but I've done coasters with hexies. I do a large hexie that is 3" along a side for the base and applique 7 smaller hexies 3/4" on a side on it. I layer 1-2 pieces of batting, back fabric of hexie then front fabric of hexie (right sides together). Stitch all around the edge. Trim batting close to stitching. Put a slit in the front fabric so you can turn it right side out. The slit will be covered by the appliqued hexies on the top.