I hate the silver as well. I love the insulbrite. You can often pick it up at a good price online. It works very well and is easy to sew with. I use it in my cassarole carriers too

So my question is...do I need special batting? I was wanting to make some with my scraps, but was unsure if they required something special in them (non burning).

insul-brite and cotton batting.

I have used heavy duty aluminium foil between cotton batting. Washes fine.

So is it shiny side up or down with the insulbrite. Also, batting on top or bottom?

I've made a few, the last ones I used the insulbrite, but I've also used a cotton terrycloth towels plus the cotton batting.

I use woollen blanket offcuts from a local factory outlet. Works well I'm lucky in that I live in a country with lots of sheep :-)

Jo Ann's did have the fabric similar to ironing board fabric...gray material. I used this in potholders. Some use old ironing board fabric.

I am thinking of trying some of the new Warm Tater batting with insulbrite. It's all cotton and it's thicker than Warm and Natural.

Just a question can you use warm and natural batting alone. And if not is there a reason or is it just that the insulbright works better?

I dont have any and I was thinking of making some pot holders but all I have is regular batting and I cant get to a store anytime soon