Just got my
Dec. issue of BH&G american patchwork and quilting. I'm starting to collect 2.5" squares as we type for the
quilt on the cover. It will take a while to complete but WOW!
It might not help with the quick and simple you are looking for but it has the 2.5" requirement!
I still like to do simple 9P on point for fast quilts. It takes half as many pieced blocks when you alternate them with a filler fabric. They get big real fast and look good too.
hope you find what you are looking for.
peace
EDIT: There are some great ideas shown here from all the site suggestions. More for me to add to my ever growing list! Thename of the quilt I am going to start is called
Charming Addition