I find my English paper piecing GFG is very portable-just cut out your fabric and paper hexagons, and bring a needle and matching threads (I wind different colors on bobbins-takes up less room), snips, and I use plastic coated paperclips to hold the fabric edges that turn over the paper foundations. You can plan on a wall-hanging or throw to use them on if you don't want a full size quilt. That is very easy to learn, relaxing, and very portable. It is what I travel overseas with since I have to go twice a year for a couple of months each trip. PM if you want more info- I have photos of how I set up my "kit" for travel. Hope you DH gets well quickly!