I just had a new dishwasher installed, and the installer (who is also a repairman) said to use the pods - specifically Finish or Cascade. This was also the recommendation from the manufacturer. He said the liquids or powders leave a film on the inside of the machines and on the dishes. Maybe it depends on which brand you use. Or maybe the repairman is just making business for himself. Haha.

Finish makes a liquid detergent too... :thumbup:

So glad I read this today! I have a bunch of that I can use for the blocks for the plaid shirt quilt. Thanks!

I use Pattern Ease for foundation all the time and like how easy it is to use - the one I buy has a light grid printed on it. It can be left on the block, is washable, unscented and inexpensive. Some ladies use it for a light stabilizer behind their embroidery work.

Another option is using the fabric that makes up a white bridal aisle runner - the texture is like a Pellon interfacing product. - is extremely long and not expensive for the amount of fabric. I still have the one from my daughter's wedding and it will last me forever - heavier than the Pattern Ease but easy to remove from blocks.

I think I would try using the "tail end" of print rolls from the newspaper producer. I can get them very inexpensively for what I want to use them for.

I'm with you, Mkotch. I don't like to use foundation of any sort in my string quilts. I just add a strip, press, and add another strip. I tried using backing papers, but that's just too much work to remove the bits of leftover paper.

I use them, but only after they’ve been used in the dryer.
There is a basket on top of my dryer for the used ones and I
Just give them a quick pressing along with my strips. I also use
them as backing for appliqué.