What stitch is this (and is it knit or crochet?!)

[gingerfuzzball]

Hello knitters and crocheters!

My sister wants to make a scarf like the one that I have attached a picture of. She has asked me for help in working out what stitch it is, does anyone recognise it or have an idea of how it might be made?

I'm normally quite good on stitches but I can't even tell, with this one, if it is knit or crochet and if the stitch is running legthways or endways! It's made more difficult because I haven't seen the scarf in person (she lives a long way from me) so I can't tell how it stretches. Any suggestions would be very welcome!