butterflywing moonie and mrswhite - do you think that prewashing and machine drying the muslin would help with the shrinkage AND the softening? that might bring the two different weights more in line. sometimes what feels heavier is just full of sizing that washes out. surely the washing and drying would make it easier to sew. yes?
I thought of that, too. Some muslins will shrink after they are re-washed, and not just the first time. I love the look of muslin, and I know some people are happy using it, but I would not trust it as a large part of a quilt. I've never had problems using it in applique. I bet a year from now, you won't be able to tell one from another.