Yes, the author Barbara Brackman, in her book Quilts from the Civil War, states that women did not used unbleached muslin, and that they used best quality white or ecru colored cottons..that eventually faded to the yellowed look that we love so much...she said the muslin will get easily distorted and shrink more...so if you were planning to use it, think twice!! Especially if you want an "authentic reproduction" type quilt!