Chris - I joined a quilting "drop in" group at our local senior center. It is all women but there are several who teach quilting and are willing to give private lessons. Perhaps there is a group in your area. If they shun you at the group, send your wife in to ask for a tutor. She could explain that it is for a male friend who needs more advanced techniques. They may not respond immediately but if she leaves a number to call someone might do it "on the sly" so to speak. Good luck and if you lived closer to Detroit MI I'd be more than happy to assist in your learning.
Barbara in MI