Boy, do I feel dumb!
 

I just came back from a quilt show and bought a bunch a quilt blocks that were strip sewn on a foundation of paper (cut from telephone book pages).

I didn't realize the foundation was paper when I bought them. (DUH!) I had planned to make a quilt from the blocks but with the paper on the back, will I be able to wash it? I'm not sure what to do.

You very carefully remove the paper. Then sew all the blocks together.

Oh, and welcome to the board from Southern California!!!

You are not dumb, you just learned somthing new. Yes I said above, you tear the paper carefully off the back and happy sewing!!

LOL! Now I really feel silly! Of course, how simple!

Thank you both so much! As I work on this quilt, I will think of you both fondly. For the welcome and the encouragement. :)

get somthing rounded [end of a pen] and run it down each sewing line [on a padded surface] the paper will come away more easily--i did not believe it until i saw the difference

You can also use the wrong side of a seam ripper to run down the seams. It makes removing the paper much easier. welcome to QB from Georgia!

You can leave the paper in until you sew the surrounding blocks and then remove it. This will prevent any bias edges from stretching. You don't have to leave it in beyond that. I, too, use the wrong edge of a seam ripper. It's easy to take out and perfect for when you are watching tv or just sitting down to have a break.

Paper is easy to remove. Use a small drywall spatula (I use mine in wallpapering and wall repair) - available in any paint dept. The edge is great for placing against the seam and then just simply remove the paper. Works great. No paper scraps left. I use this method in my own foundation piecing all the time.

Never would have thought of that. :) Isn't it amazing the things we quilters come up with !

I'm sure you will love it when finished. I would leave the paper in until all the seams are finished then tear it out with the above methods. Any paper left will disappear when it is washed.