I've made string blocks using phone book pages. I remove the paper before I press the blocks. I just googled the "Sediment Shield for Trenches" and found another sewing thread that says that it disintegrates or melts if ironed. It seems that it is used mostly for machine embroidery or sewers (the storm or sanitary type, not sewing). JustABitCrazy, let us know when you have tried it. You could also use Golden Threads quilting paper, comes in 12" X 20 yard rolls for about $9. I have a roll and I'll use that if I want to make larger blocks than 8.5".

Never tried it, but I think I would just use a thin fabric.

Too much like paper piecing and I hate to have to tear the paper off. Muslin is the way I go.

I'm doing Pepper Cory's Craftsy class and she suggests using old phone books - as in last year's - so that the ink has had time to set.

You can also use fabric sheets. The senior citizens here asked the laundromat to save used fabric sheets for them.

Most newspapers give away the ends of rolls of blank newsprint paper. Just call & ask. Here in Indianapolis, there is a limit of two rolls twice a year. One roll would last for a long, long time.

I, too, use the cheapest muslin, prewash it, no removal necessary.

Here is what I use for foundation sewing: I often buy bedskirts at thrift stores to recycle into fabric. When I have removed the skirting part, I use the platform section, which is usually thin fabric, for my foundations. This is like getting free fabric to use as it's the 100% cotton bedskirt that I am really after. A King bedskirt is usually $3.99 and I buy on senior discount day so then it's $2.99. I get yards of fabric that is perfect for kaleidascopes or any other purpose, as it is in long lengths, and the white platform top as a bonus!

Don't know if you want to go to this much trouble, but: If you iron (dry iron) the telephone pages first, it sets the ink and it should not transfer. I've read that butlers used to (maybe still do) iron their wealthy employers' newspapers so the ink would not come off when the paper was read.

I used old phone books, because I have them. Never had a problem with the ink. I do use a dry iron. To tear the paper off, I start it with a letter opener and it comes right off. No fuss no muss.