Crim Ascots...

For several years I've been using Hildie & Jo round beads from at JoAnn's (their house brand). 
Each ascot used about 140 beads (which have a 4.1mm diameter).  Each package has about 168 beads, but lately I've been feeling ripped off because about 20% of them have a flat finish - which really stands out against the glossy ones so I have to toss them. They're regularly $8.99, but frequently on sale (or with a coupon) for $4.49. 

I decided to compare my options on Amazon and discovered that buying beads is a little like buying lumber... the "size" is not the actual finished measurement!  So rude. 

Amazon has 2000 4mm beads for $7.99 or 700 5mm beads for $2.89 (prices as of 4/14/24).

I do like the "5mm" slightly better...