I am sorry, but I'd never let my friends, no matter how good, tell me what I can and cannot make for my home! If I like it, that is all that matters, since I have to live with it. If you specifically asked for their input, that might be different, but we are all free to make what we like and what suits our tastes. Did your friends offer to pay for the supplies or make the runner and mats? If not, then they have no say in the matter. If your hubby doesn't like it, that might cause you to change a project.