I use muslin all the time, both bleached and unbleached. I am particularly partial to tea stained, but sometimes have trouble finding it. I am not fussy about cost - I buy whatever is on sale. I have a quilt that I made in 2001 that I use on my bed all winter. Since I have three cats, it gets washed frequently. The quilt is still alive and well. The muslin has held up great; with only the bindings really showing the wear. I do not prewash any of my fabric; I like the "old" look that the shrinking creates.