Lol... you have done SO much more than me with knitting. I have not made anything larger that this Vest. Do not fool yourself into thinking that I am an expert!
I like both vests! I like the thickness of the Alastair Vest. Am thinking that I can simplify it a bit and make it fit ok.

I definitely am going to check out that link about building a sweater, it may help a bunch with planning this out!