You story runs very similar to my own, Mom made everything and anything that would go through her Singer pedal machine. Clothing for school, home, outings or work was all made through her creative hands with care to detail.
When married I had already purchased a Protea electric table top machine which still runs today, straight forward requirements around the home. Never got into patterns as much, although this purely through my own stubborn attitude not to learn.
!LUV
!LADY
LOH tokens.Hi, friend, we also agree on that stubbornness when it comes to learning how to make patterns. I felt it was complicated and it bothered me when I couldn't get them right. I admired my mom's patience in making those outfits so well and ensuring that people were always satisfied with her work.
Did learn a few things like wash material before using for shrinkage, how to cut printed materials.
With my first son under her direction sewing a pair of short dungarees or 'bib-overalls' jean type material, turned out OK, had she not been present I doubt it would ever become a piece to wear.
It was Mom's passion making tiny dolls dresses, wedding gowns, suits are whatever was required around the home. Having full time employment as a bookkeeper only sewed for the family. Dressed dolls normally donated to orphanage.
How wonderful that she devoted her time to sewing to meet the needs of the family, and even more so, for that beautiful donation to the orphanage. Dressing dolls was something I loved to do when I was a child, and I remember making simple outfits for them with the scraps my mother had left over, but your mother's work was an art that required dedication and knowledge. I'm sure those beautiful dolls were received with much love. ♥️♥️