I'm currently growing abuliton.
I purchased seeds from Pinetree. 5 seeds for $1.95.
I sowed the seeds without soaking on January 14th in Jiffy Mix, just barely covering the seeds.I covered the container with a plastic bag and placed it in my fairly warm kitchen. I didn't use any bottom heat or supplemental lighting.
Four seeds sprouted within one week. I lost one seedling due to allowing the potting mix to dry out excessively.
I am now growing my three remaining seedling in yogurt cups in a west window that has light reducing glass. The seedlings are about 3" high and have 3-4 sets of true leaves. I'll probably start growing the plants under my shop lights soon and hopefully that will accelerate their growth.
Most abutilon that is sold through cataloges are hybrids so I don't know if that might of effected the viability of your collected seed.

slackermom, thanks for the answer. So it can be done, just not by me I guess! I have sown at least 50 seeds that I saved and the 10 that I purchased from Parks. Mine are in a flat with ProMix under a plastic dome. Doesn't sound much different than what you did. Guess I'll just have to try another batch. Thank you.