Pot holders ... you can pick some fairly simple 9" blocks - have them make two, sandwich with insulbrite & bind. The whole quilting experience from start to finish in a day.

Pin cushions (sew many different free patters on the web)

There is a wonderful tutorial on Missouri Star Quilt site that is great for pillowcases. It is such a simple, fun, and beautiful technique. I also like the pincushion idea!

There was a great tutorial on this board for a combination pot holder/bowl holder. It involved using pairs of squares of fabric and batting, stitching a circle in the centre, making pleats around the edges (to make the "bowl") and then sewing two units together, birthing them into a potholder that could hold a soup bowl etc. Size of square when you started determines what size of bowl it would hold at the finish. I used 10 inch squares and made four for a friend's daughter as a small housewarming gift. Easy to sew, broken down into small stages, and finished product quickly. Sorry I cannot imbed the link to the tutorial, I'm not overly tech-y. Perhaps someone can help with link?

What about quilt as you go place mats? I just made some place mats for my gb's to take with them when they return to school in the fall.

Pillowcases or an easy tablerunner with a seasonal theme. So many beautiful fabrics for Autumn and the Christmas season. Enjoy your retreat.

At our women's retreat last year we made the fleece tie blankets to donate to the homeless -- 3 or 4 ladies sit around a table and tie the blankets and get to visit with one another in the process. We had a great time, and it was nice to know we were doing something for someone in need.

Pot holders or Christmas Stockings

pillowcases, plan on just over a yard of fabric per case. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kquVQMjRK0

wonder wallets by Lazy Girl. Very cheap and easy. 2 wallets from one fat quarter. http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/produ...der_Wallet/253

simple 10 minute table runner. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGhUslU0WGI

Glasses Case - similar to a potholder but folded and then stitched

We have each done a 10 min block then sewed them together for a top that is then donated to charity. We had a stack of 10" sq. that each person choose 5 and made the blocks...ending up in a very pretty quilt top!