Sewing Inspiration

So, I grew up with stories randomly told to me by mom- after much pressing and with little detailed return- about her days of sewing. She would say she had sewn bathing suits, blouses, shirts and even a suit for a high school boyfriend. Then the tale would turn with one of her shrugs and raised eyebrows: the price of patterns and fabric became more expensive than ready made clothing. So she stopped sewing. Every time I tried to press further into the depths of her interest- why not just make some clothing every now and then? were the ready made clothing better than her personalized version, if so how? did she begin sewing just to put clothes on her back? I realized she originally had a hobby that interested her, but, due to mastering the craft of the commercial pattern and the lack of internal drive to create a challenging project, my mom's sewing interest evaporated. A few years ago when I asked for a sewing machine for my birthday my mom had to scan the instructions to thread the machine. I remember not wanting her help in any of these matters- as a character trait I like to experience all new things on my own terms- but I wonder if I just didn't want my mom's attitude to effect mine.
I have thankfully included her in my sewing interest and although she has never been one to care passionately about my hobby affairs, she will be there to help line up pattern pieces when I need the help.
I have a little mommy and me project planned for the winter break: sewing a pattern together. I hope she is up for it.