Oh my goodness, sewing machines are the way to go! I just sewed armrests for the hubby's computer chair and they took over 3 hours to finish because I did it all by hand (I don't own a sewing maching, unfortunately). I could have done them in less than an hour if I'd had a machine. A pattern might have helped too, of course, but where's the adventure!
You could try quilting. It takes a long time to put a patchwork together by hand, but it is really relaxing and sooooo rewarding!
I have to ask, because I'm deathly curious. Why are you afraid to use a sewing machine?