Canvas is cheaper! I had Dutch lacing on the 4 small sheets for Rusty and it set me back £1100 from Wells Tarpaulins - the steam folk of Lincolnshire all advised I go there...given most of them squeak when they walk I think I was set up!
He's obviously spent the money on the engine sheet rather than a new waterproof coat for his daughter, she only got one of his cast off's by the look of it!! ;-)