Once you get started you will have so much fun!! My mother was also a wonderful seamstress and quilter, but I was always too busy to pick her brain. I've been at this for about 16 years now and the possibilities are just endless. A lot has changed just over those years. Machine quilting, paper piecing, etc.
To get started I would recommend using good quality of fabrics, have a good pair of scissors that are to be used on fabric only...no paper...that can ruin a good pair of scissors. You need a cutting mat and a rotary cutter. Skip all of the fancy gadgets for awhile. I like 50wt thread because it doesn't bulk up the seams. And, be sure to have your iron handy. The more you press the better the quilt will turn out. Get a relatively simple and small pattern and go for it. Be sure to finish that first one and hang it up where you can see your improvement with each and every one that you do.
The best to you..Ii know you can do it.