Using the LM3914 and some ancillary parts

Thanks Nando, I've already looked at those (in fact, the $14.95 kit I mentioned is based on that IC).  Unfortunately the best price I can get for LM3914 chips is $4.45 each (in quantities of 25 or more), whereas I can build this entire circuit (including the PCB) for $4.60

Additionally, this cicuit only draws 30mA, while the LM3914 circuits that I've seen (at least 3 variations available on the web) are around double that.