Mum finishes my sewing projects for me when I'm trying to learn. How do I ask her to slow down?
Family“There, much neater,” Mum said, handing back the cushion cover she had finished while I made tea.
I had brought it over because I wanted her to show me how to put in the zip. I wanted the afternoon together too. She sews quickly and knows exactly how she likes things done. Whenever I hesitate, she takes the fabric and says it will only take her a minute.
The cushion is lovely. I thanked her, went home and realised I still couldn't put a zip in the next one. When I said that, she replied, “You wanted it finished, didn't you?” I had never clearly said that the learning mattered more than the result.
I'm going over again on Saturday. I want to practise with her nearby, including making a few untidy attempts. I don't want to sound ungrateful for the work she did or make our afternoon feel like I'm grading her as a teacher.
How can I ask for a different kind of help before she has the next project in her hands?