flhomeschoolmom

I make my own templates on a regular basis. For templates that I don't have to use a lot, I use cardboard or paperboard (cereal boxes). But when I want one sturdier, I use butter tub lids. It's inexpensive, recycles, and I can easily make more without having to run out to the store.

As for marking on the fabric, I purchased some fabric marking pencils at Wal-Mart. They do wash out but it's not advised to iron over the marks before washing. I've also used chalk, #2 pencils, and Crayola fine tipped washable markers. The washable markers do work well, but I always use the lightest color possible and wash my quilt top in cold water and detergeant before ever ironing my seams.