i have (wished for) an apprentice- for a few years! there are times when i get swamped and oh so wish someone in the family had been willing to learn & practice- and could step in & give me a hand...it is so nice that you are stepping up.
we all wish your mother a speedy recovery- in the mean time-
you learning a new technique is always a great thing!
my kids stepped up a few years ago and helped---but then they each moved away-
my nephew is back in the area- and interested in getting back into quilting-so i am so hoping he will decide to spend time with me and the big machine too-
you never know when you might really need a (back up :) )