Sweater rough start

I have cast this sweater on 3 times and it is not cooperating. First time I tried to join it in the round. I think I managed to do it without twisting but the join was not good. Plus I ended up with 7 more stitches than I should have. I ripped it out. The second time I decided to knit it flat. Somehow ended up joining in the round and it was twisted. Plus both of these times the ribbing didn't look right. I'm not used to dealing with 334 stitches at the same time. I got frustrated, put it in the corner to think about what it's doing to me. I decided to start a sock. 

Attempt number 3 seems to be it. It feels good to have some knit rows undertaken hands as I knit. It makes me excited but these rows are long. I decided to knit the ribbing flat instead of in the round. The picture doesn't show it but trust me, it is. I need 2-1/2 inches of ribbing before I can start the body. I only have 3/4 of an inch so far. Here is a picture:

I also started a sock while this was in time out. I am excited for these as well. I am knitting these on size 1's the smallest I've ever done but they should be warm! They are slow going because of the small needle and the sweater. I am hoping to have the pair done by November. Here's a pic of the toe:

I will ost again when I am ready to start the body of the sweater.