GENAVIEVE,
Welcome from Canada.....you are embarking on such a wonderful adventure - quilting and patchwork in general is just a fabulous thing.....I have been sewing for many a moon....before you were born.. :-)....and till love it and it has remained my passion - that will tell you how fulfilling it is...
You are to fortunate to have your mom to past down her tricks to you - (and you can perhaps raid her stash).. :-)
Hugs,
Bill