need pattern help

I have been in love with this pattern forever, its the easiest one imaginable. I mean easy peasy lemon squeezy easy.

Sugar'n Cream Naturals - Summer Totes (crochet)

 the pattern end up looking like this:

Instead of like this:

My mom who is an experienced knitter/crocheter has tried to help me, but we can't figure it out, i have done everything to make sure i'm not adding stitches, and not dropping/decreasing stitches, but it won't go straight. I don't know what to do. I'm left handed, does this have anything to do with why its not working straight??  any help out there??