2 x 2 Ribbing

I started doing practice swatches yesterday for the 2 x 2 ribbing.  Simple beginner k2, p2 ribbing.  When I started looking at the swatch through the eyes of the "knitting police" the swatches looked... not good.  I need to go back and look at the socks and sweaters I've made with this same ribbing.  Are they all wonky and weird, too?  Why is that second knit stitch bigger than the first?  I know- it's because the purl stitch that follows it is always a little looser, but I never noticed it on my knitting before!  How come some of the stitches just look plain crooked?  I looked at some of my socks and a couple of the sweaters... nope- no wonky stitches. 

My conclusion is that I'm using "crap yarn" to practice with.  It's an acrylic/wool blend, kind of loosely spun, very much on the cheap.  (I use it for teaching.)  Also, said "crap yarn" is worsted weight and calls for 5mm (US 8) needles.  The instructions say to use worsted weight yarn and the needle the manufacturer recommends for that yarn.  I rarely use needles that big.  Usually my limit is a 4.5mm. 

I'm going to try using a smoother, better quality yarn with a slightly tighter spin.  Maybe that will help.  And maybe the recommended needle size will be a bit smaller and that will help, too.  It's gotta help.  It has to be the yarn and the needles, right? 

I'm off to raid my stash for the good stuff.