that stiching, is it an X pattern? i think that is what you mean. that is an argiope spider, they are common in ct (the black and yellow) and as a kid i often saw them. i have photographed many of them and their webs. this spider looks EXTREMELY scary in the wild!
here's a link that shows a descent photo and the patteren on the web.
if you are squimish about spiders i'd pass on this.
http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/d...?recnum=IS0107
tom