Sort:  

Creative ok, but with the talent ... I am not so sure - but thank you for the compliment <3

And with this vest ... Did you start with a rectangle for the back and the made half circles for the fronts? Because I tried this pattern too and found it lacking.... The armholes were much too big, and it had a very strange fit
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/119-22-peach-perfection

No, this was a long time ago..but I remember knitting from the bottom up starting with the ribbing, and in one piece. I had a hard time following written instruction, there is always something missing or very difficult to understand.

Now, if I want do work on a project, I get on youtube. I guess I am a visual person, and I don't have to deal with gauge! That's another thing, gauge..I don't find it helpful..

Sorry for answering so late ...
I have knitted only twice a bottom up cardigan. It was a Japanese pattern which consist mostly of schematics which I find much more helpful than written instructions.
And you are right youtube is such a good help :-D
And to the tension/gauge (I hope it's the same): For a long time, I also thought it is not helpful, but as I knit and crochet super loose, I learned to do a tension square. If I want to make a bought pattern, I always must change the needle/hook sizes.