"Mastering Precision Piecing" by Sally Collins is excellent. She has also written about drafting your own quilt blocks. Any book by Judy Martin has priceless information that often runs counter to what is generally accepted as gospel in the quilting world. Much as I like Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Co., she is more slapdash in her approach. Please don't limit yourself. Your mother did not become a fabric snob overnight, her opinions were formed over time and application. If you don't experiment, you will never know the difference. I often order from Marshall Dry Goods, love them because they will answer a question about fabric, but I still love to go into the stores and feel the fabric. There are several men who are well known in the sewing community, David Coffin and Kenneth King. David Coffin's book on sewing shirts is a classic treasure. Speaking of shirts, Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com has several books out on sewing quilts from fabric retrieved from men's shirts she has bought in thrift stores. Enjoy your journey. I hope your recovery from injury is filled with discovery.