Good Luck in coaching via the telephone!
Sometimes the best thing to do is just go for it, even though people say it is beyond your abilities.
I've done that a lot ... I didn't know what I didn't know and guess what? it worked!
Naivete is a blessing at times!
As part of doing the test blocks ..... be sure to check that the finished size of the block is the right size.
A wee bit off on the seam width could make this pattern next thing to impossible to work out.
Look forward to seeing what the two of you create!!