holy cow!!!that is a ridiculous price for a PFD fat quarter- i wouldn't pay that much for a yard!
you should be able to find pfd fabs for under $6 a yard.
just because they are called PFD's does not mean you don't use the soda ash- it's still necessary to set the dye.
visit Dharma Trading Company= they have tons of free information=tutorials= and all the supplies you need.
to prepare your own fabric for dyeing- just wash it- with detergent- double rinse NO FABRIC SOFTENER.
ta=da= ready to soak in the soda ash and dye.