Knitting without a Pattern

I have been knitting for years, since my second year in college I think.  I've made mittens, hats, a few sweaters (mainly little ones for kids), a few purses, etc.  By American standards I am more than a beginner.  However, since coming to Turkey I have come to rate myself as a novice knitter because the women who knit here are amazing!  They knit without patterns!!!  That is something I have never done until now.  After some encouragement from a friend here I decided to try it, to knit a "hırka" (a sweater that buttons or zips in the front) for Malachi . . . for Christmas hopefully.  I started in Spring and thought I'd have it done this Fall but now the goal is Christmas.  Women here would've had this whipped up in a week maybe but I am hanging in there, and with the weather being cooler and the days shorter hopefully I will find more time to sit and knit.  This is how far I am and even though it is a little rough, I'm pretty proud that I'm figuring this out by myself.  I'm finding the challenge fun.   Now for the sleeves.  Wish me luck!