I am sooooo happy to find that a lot of you use muslin!! I use it a lot because of the cost factor and besides I think it's a nice background for any color or print. I was a little hesitant to disclose my frugal side, but now feel better about my "muslin" laced quilts. Also glad to know about the backing as at the price of fabric now it's really hard to cough up $30 or so for just the backing!