Paper piecing is a good suggestion for take-along projects. What I'm doing right now while my husband is goes for physical therapy - charm packs. Stitch by hand (or machine when you're at home), sandwich, and do some hand quilting while you're hospital visiting. Simple and pretty and no-brainers. Since the packs are coordinated farics you'll wind up with a pretty table topper or runner and there's nothing big and bulky to carry with you. While he's having his therapy, I have mine.