When Becky stayed with me, I noticed that her crochet style seemed a bit different than mine. I think I even commented on it. My aunt taught me the basics and everything else, I've had to figure out alone. For that reason, it takes me a really long time to figure out patterns and get it look like the photo. Or at least I thought that was my issue.
I borrowed this book from the library because there is a plaid scarf pattern that resembles a weaving technique that I have an idea for, much like Pam's woven green scarf. The plan was this: Learn this technique, adapt it to the idea I have. But what actually happened was this: I realized I have been crocheting wrong the whole time. Well, no wonder it's been so hard for me! And the thing I was doing wrong? In my crochet, there was no "yarn over." (The crocheters out there just rolled their eyes or spit our their drink. In other words, this is a super basic step.) Thusly why Becky's style seemed different -- she was doing a forward movement I never did. When I think of how long it's taken me to get a stitch looking right in the past -- well, I guess there is something to be said for professional training.
Anyway, I apologize for anyone that I've taught to crochet wrong -- try adding in this "yarn over" thing. It will change your life.