http://www.creativebugquilting.com/rainbow-jellyroll/

This is a CreativeBug.com class, but it's easy enough to figure out how to strip together 30 strips from the Robert Kaufman jelly roll and then quilt & bind as desired. I plan to make one for myself since it's so bright & cheery. Could do straight line quilting for a quick finish. Probably could finish in 2-3 days (or 1-2 long days) as long as you keep the quilting simple & bind on your machine.

Better than fresh flowers & not much more difficult. Just make sure to wash the quilt before you bring it to her to reduce risk of infection.

Hope your friend makes a full recovery & enjoys her beautiful new quilt!

How about a simple 4 patch block alternating with a whole block of a pretty feature fabric ( or something fussy cut). Then you can add a border or two. Stitch in the ditch around the patches, a simple hashwork on the whole blocks, then perhaps some loops or figure 8 s in the borders.

Thank you so much for all these great suggestions for quick quilts! Now I just need to make a decision...

I like the turning twenty pattern. If you want it lap sized, 12 blocks vs 20 turns out perfect!

This is a great looking quick quilt.

I made this Disappearing Nine Patch fireplace cover in an evening. You can make a lap size one in probably a weekend.

Thank you all for your great suggestions! There seem to be so many patterns that are quite fast but still give interesting quilts! I decided to go with some stripe-pieced rail fence that will look a little like chevron. I've already cut the material and am now piecing! Will post the result!

This is the one I was going to suggest. I've used this for several gifts.

Yellow Brick Road and Turning Twenty are quick and easy patterns and use large pieces.

Remember it does not have to be a BIG quilt. A lay on the couch size (snuggle) might work a lot better. Easy to transport for treatment and help to keep warm. Many medical settings are quite cool to down right cold!