Originally Posted by Iceblossom

I would help if we could see the blocks. Paper is typically removed, it was used as a foundation for strings, log cabins, and other things such as hexagons.

There have been time periods when the papers were left in, typically it meant times were bad and even a sheet of paper helped keep out the drafts.

As quilters, we didn't have the tools we have today, patterns were often made from folding paper and if you had pieces of fabric large enough to use as foundation blocks, you'd probably be using it for something else anyway.

For me, I'd be worrying about what the printers used for ink and if I used the blocks, I'd take the paper out. As an historical artifact/curiosity, I'd leave the papers intact until and when you actually use the blocks.