Never thought about those plastic folders for templates. Great idea! My kids bring used ones home from schools every year. Now I know how to recycle them.
Do try rotary cutting and quilt rulers if you get a chance. Most quilting templates are made just for odd shapes. Plastic folders would be great. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much time and energy you save using a rotary cutter and quilter's ruler. No templates, seam allowance or scissors necessary. And the precision cutting really helps in your piecing. You can still draw a stitching line if you're hand sewing or haven't mastered that quarter-inch.