gypsylady5

I agree with this suggestion. I often use up ugly fabrics as foundation for my applique work. Just make sure you can't see it through the final product. You should also cut out the excess in back of your applique work.

riutzelj

some people are sensitive to ink, especially if it is soy based which a lot of it is, so nix the phone book and newspaper idea as well. i used to get rolls of blank newsprint paper from the local newspaper. They usually have some left on the end of the roll when they change out the rolls during production. That paper is great for designing on, making dress patterns etc and possibly for English piecing as well.

My time

This is what I use as well. This is good advice. More like a health alert . Thanks for posting.

JanieH

I had never thought about this issue. Thank you so much for alerting us!

bearspaws

Also one thing to note, is that if you regularly use dryer sheets you become desensitized to the smell so even if you think the smell has been washed out because you can't smell it, other people that don't use them might still smell it. Kind of like a smoker who doesn't understand why a non-smoker can't stand the smell on their clothes..

carolynjo

I surely don't like fragrances! I like the suggestions posted here.

ediedarlene

I work in the office of a mechanic shop. The shop gets 25lb boxes of "rags" for the mechanics to use. The boxes are stuffed full of old cut up flannel pj's, baby blankets, sheets, all cut up but still in sizeable cuts. I've snagged a couple of white pieces to use on string blocks. I've only done a couple of blocks but I LOVED working on them and plan to do a scrappy string quilt.

petlover

Good to know. I have food allergies and I should have thought about this as an allergen. Duh me. I am sure I am not the only one that will benifit from your wise wisdom. Thanks

Ms Darlene

I think they mean that you can use them once they've served their purpose in the dryer. I don't think much of the fragrance or chemicals remains in each sheet after it's been used. I'll still use them (after they are used in the dryer).

Sewnique

That is a very good idea! Glad you posted that.