Welcome to the board from Southern California!!
As far as the quilting threads, I am into variegated threads. I think they blend into all kinds of colors and shades and can give an interesting look when it contrasts with a certain color in a block. If you like the red, go for it!!!
Just be careful with the 1/4 in seams, sometime it needs to be a "scant" 1/4", basically a thread or two short of the 1/4". Also when you are cutting make sure your ruler does not slide one you. use some sandpaper dots or something that will keep the ruler from slipping when you cut. As you get more and more quilting in, these things will come easier. You will get to know where exactly to cut and where your best seam size it. I am no expert, and I still have blocks that don't line up perfectly, but that's "ok"!!