DIY Rope Halters??

So I've been toying around with the idea of making a rope halter for awhile now. My only concern is that I don't really know where to buy the rope. Yes, you can get rope anywhere, but if I'm going to take the time and money to make one, I want to use the high quality yachting rope that all the clinicians seem to love. I've borrowed a Clinton Anderson halter from a friend before, and I do agree that they have a lovely "feel" for ground work, especially when paired with the yachting rope lead.

I did find the type of rope that I'm looking for at a marine supply store near my house, but it was twice the price of online retailers. I was just going to buy it online (for a great price I might add) until I went to check out and found that shipping was almost three times the price of my rope. :( At the price of buying it at a marine store, it's almost more economical just to buy a pre-made one off the internet, but that takes all the fun out of it.
Search "yacht rope halter" on the internet and you'll find tons of places that make them by hand for $15-20. But I'm the type of person who would rather make them then buy them, even if the price is a little better.

I just need to find a reasonably priced way to buy 22' of 1/4" yachting rope and 14' of the 3/4" (or 1/2") rope (for the lead) that won't cost an arm and a leg for shipping.

If I get bored in the future I may just suck it up and go get enough for the lead rope to start out with. Desi's current lead is in pretty sorry shape anyways.

I'd also love to make a pair of western reins with the same type of rope. I think the weight and "feel" of the quality rope would be great when used as reins too. Hmmmm. This may have to go on my project list, but I don't ride western much right now so it's a little hard to justify. Lol maybe I could do a "dressage style" rope rein like these. Yes, I know its not even remotely proper for dressage but I'm pretty sure I've looked weirder when I'm too lazy to take the bit off of Desi's western bridle, use his dressage saddle, and ride with an all purpose pad. I don't think weird reins would surprise anybody, plus I like the feel of the rope reins better that the lightweight leather reins.

A similar pair to these was available on eBay for $25

It's funny how blogging about all these great ideas is making my bank account hurt already.