I taught myself to crochet in 1972 using a book put out by Coats and Clark. I have been crocheting ever since.
I also teach crochet to others at my church. I crochet mostly for others and about 4 times a year for myself. I give away most of what I make but I do sell somethings.
I do not follow patterns much when I crochet I use measurements.
Elsewhere