Thanks for posting this, Rhonda. Your words are wonderful for beginners like me.
Yes, I noticed the oddball triangle immediately, but I do that kind of thing professionally (though with computer software, not quilt patterns). It always amazes me how some people wouldn't see something like that at first glance, but in fact most people don't.
OTOH, the pinkish fabric looked natural to me until I read that it was from red fabric running.
To billswife, I'm sure Rhonda will give you a more detailed answer than I can, but yes, special insulating batting does exist.