My mother used to sew, too. Not sure if she started before me or after I did. I had twin sisters and a younger one by 18 months - I was 10 years older. She sewed quite a few things for them and for herself. I remember she would buy a pattern and put in her own details, like cover the buttons or change the strap or the length.
Then she used to "pimp" me out to make flower girl dresses for some of her friends, lol. It was quite the experience at 15, but I made her do all the hand sewing! Now, I don't mind so much.
She hasn't sewn for years because now she's into crochet. Someone taught her about 15 years ago and she still hasn't put down that hook!