I did contact the head of the group and she said it looked better with no stitching showing. I can't believe someone was selling these for $14 and someone would pay that. The only out of pocket cost to a quilter is the beads. Fabric strips are in everyone's scrap basket. I think I paid about $8 for those and still have over half a bag left. it only takes about 1/2- 1 teaspoon per tie.