absolutely loved my HAB, bought it with a gift voucher so not so concerned with cost myself, but think making it yourself a great idea.
i had issues with my back after my pg, and found this the most supportive and comfortable of the three i had (was lent a kapoochi and breastfeeding mothers sling). i also found i could carry DS for longer than girlfriends who had babybjorns and until he was older (around six months). and he wasn't a 'little' baby! DH didn't use it but he preferred to carry him anyway! i definitely recommend putting it on before you go out, then putting bub into it when you get there, it's not restrictive at all, and easy to readjust when neccessary too. as for learning to tie it, i found most carriers took at little getting used to.
so worth it and i can't wait to use it again for this bub!