Samurai WIP Updated Oct 30th!

[Kibakyu]

Hey guys, I've returned! The Navy did not work out and I was injured and sent home (I'm fine now and could re-enlist in 6 months, but I have decided to go a different career path anyway). I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise because I am now applying for JET (essentially being an english teacher in Japan). I studied Japanese in college and really felt like this should have been my path to start with. It is a long process of applying and getting letters of recommendation but I really feel like I have a very good chance. The only thing is it is a huge waiting game! I can send my application, but I have to wait to find out if I'm even selected for an interview (around January is when the interviews are I think). Then after that I have to wait again to find out if I actually get selected to go and be placed in what could be any city in Japan that needs an Assistant Learning Teacher - and even then I would not leave until July of 2016.

I've found the box my samurai is in and should have a chance to work on him this weekend and maybe get some pictures up. But I'm a bit torn at the moment; usually I start my Christmas present cross stitches in August so I'm hugely behind...I have one started for my mom but still need to select one for my dad at least! But I must admit I had the itch to stitch pretty much immediately, and I can't wait to see how everyone's progressed and been these last 2 months

[Mabel Figworthy]

That's quite a change of career! But if this is what feels right, then this is the path to follow.

Looking forward to seeing the samurai again, he feels particularly appropriate now!

[rcperryls]

That's quite a change of career! But if this is what feels right, then this is the path to follow.

Looking forward to seeing the samurai again, he feels particularly appropriate now!

I agree. Hope your injuries are healed. Good luck with your application!

Carole

[fiddler]

This is a beautiful piece. Sorry the navy did not work out but good luck with your teaching. Looking forward to seeing more of the samurai. He is very handsome!

[Kibakyu]

Well this is weird. I know I updated this beyond October yet I'm not seeing any of those posts! Does anyone know what happened?!

[fccs]

Well this is weird. I know I updated this beyond October yet I'm not seeing any of those posts! Does anyone know what happened?!

I don't know what happened, but I somehow missed the October update. I'm sorry the Navy didn't work out for you - how's the teaching thing coming along?

[rcperryls]

Sorry about your last updates not showing up. I don't know how that could happen and I'm not sure if we can figure it out or not. Definitely are looking forward to seeing more updates!

Carole

[Kibakyu]

It's a good thing I save all my pictures then! I'll just give a bit of a chain update then. Sorry for all the lighting fail on some of the earlier ones, it all depends on if I take the pictures at night or day and such. Also some of the earlier ones seem to be out of order a bit, oops. The last one is quite a huge update as of yesterday!

[lavenderbee]

WOW, this is great. Such a lovely picture & very neatly stitched. Thank you for sharing with us. You have done very will & it is going to be a great picture when finished. I look forward to next update.

Hope your application for teaching work in Japan is going well.

[Squirrel]

WOW and PHEW that is amazing and he looks so determined as if he is looking at the enemy. Great stitching.

So sorry the navy didn't work out and I hope that you have recovered fully from the injury and are enjoying your new lifestyle.

[rcperryls]

Love the progression of your updates! He is looking really good!!

Carole

[Jewell Stitcher]

He looks wonderful. Love this picture. I stitched it quite a few years ago and he is looking down at me from the wall in my living room in approval at your stitching now

[richardandtracy]

This is going to be one heck of a picture when you've finished it. Looks spectacular already.

Sorry the Navy didn't work out for you. I was an army brat, and came to the conclusion fairly early that the lifestyle was not for me. The navy must be somewhat harder on the service personnel, and even more difficult for the families than the army. Good to find you and they didn't entirely suit before an irrevocable step was made.

Regards

Richard.

[Kibakyu]

Thanks for all the support you guys! I work on this guy every day now he's great fun.

I think the Navy did not work out for a reason, so I'm glad everything worked out the way it did.

I am still trying to get to Japan. My application for the JET program was not accepted for an interview so I'm trying to look for other avenues to get there still!There are plenty of other opportunities to use the major outside of teaching too, like translating, which is something that greatly interests me too.

I will take an update picture soon.. After today I will be ready for the march southward, because his top third will be pretty much finished!

[Kibakyu]

4 seasons of Prison Break later and I've completed a huge milestone!

Also a bit of a random question but do you guys have a specific needle company or type you use for your sharp companions? I realized I really prefer a size 24 needle but after a short while the cheap needles I use get that shiny coating rubbed off and it's actually a bit faster stitching to replace them when that happens. Are there any needles that don't have this happen? Feedback would really be appreciated!

[Allyn]

Good progress!

I use Bohin needles. If there is a coating, it doesn't come off. Of course, I use #28s and use 40 at a time so it may be that I replace them for bent eyes before that happens.

[fccs]

He is fabulous!!!

As for needles, I've never had that issue (other than with some needles that come with kits). My favorite needles are Piecemakers and Bohin (I almost always use size 28).

[Squirrel]

Great update and you have made really good progress on this one.

As for needles I always use Piecemakers and John James petite for when I just need a little bit of thread for a small flower or something.

[rcperryls]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!!! Have I mentioned that I think this is a beautiful piece of stitching. The detail is fantastic!

I prefer #28 needles and John James Petite needles are what I mostly use. I have a real mix including DMC and all the previous brands mentioned, but when I place an order for stash, I usually throw in a few packs of the Petites so I guess they are my favorites.

Carole

[karen4bells]

Fantastic update!!!! This looks amazing!!