I wouldn't want to try that for my first quilt! Your blocks look great!
Another question: How retentive is your niece? It would make me crazy to see your perfect blocks next to my wonky blocks.
Maybe you can do the blocks for her and let her do the finishing? You say she's not a quilter, but does that also mean she's never sewn anything?
Good luck-hope you can help her through it and find a new quilting buddy for yourself in the process!