Mustard pickles, hydrangeas, strip piecing

The title of my post sounds a little strange. For those who follow the produce and flora of the season, it probably makes perfect sense.
After a chopping session last night in order for the cucumbers, celery, cauliflower and onions to soak in a brine while I slept, this morning, I got my bottles ready and cooked up a batch of my mother's mustard pickle recipe.

Thanks to my mother in law, Joyce for her help!
I've been waiting for a sunny day when I had time to pick some hydrangea to dry and today was the day.

For now they're on my deck because I spied a few ants which I'm hoping will vacate.

I dry a bunch in a vase every year to enjoy throughout the fall until December. I like to tuck them throughout the branches of my tabletop Christmas tree. It fills in empty spaces and adds such soft snowy prettiness. After that I dispose of them and wait until next September to pick some more.

Then, I had just a sliver of time to spend in my sewing studio, adding a few more curved strips to my beach themed piece.

The top piece is as yet uncut and un-sewn while I think about what I'll add next.I do way more thinking and piddling about than actually sewing! As I mentioned in my last post, this is something a bit different for me. I have an idea where I want to go: I'm feeling my way there. Whether I get there or not, the journey is fun.
I'm connecting to The Needle and Thread Network.