DIY stuff is the best
I just finished a 2500 mile tour with some DIY "panniers" made out of mop buckets from Home Depot. Only cost $15 and did the job perfectly, and looked pretty good at the same time (not like that matters much). Not only did I save a LOT of money, but it makes for an interesting conversation piece with other cyclists.
And perhaps it was because I was riding alone, or that I am young, but people were exceptionally nice to me on my trip, and perhaps it is because of my odd looking bike.
Keep up the good work