Maybe if you do the first row or two and then hand it to her she'll respond better? I've started doing that when teaching people to knit so they get the actual knitting part down before learning the one-off skills like casting on and off. And awww, I love your mom. <3

I've also been looking at lots of sewing/crochet combos like pillowcases with little lacy edgings and stuff. I really need to be my own housewife.