Costuming is expensive

I'm trying to figure out all the stuff I'll need for my next few projects and, man, trying to buy it and ship it home is pricey! I understand that it'll cost more for specialty things like buckram and busks that I can't get here. But, for the most part, all I want is basic stuff like white cottons for petticoats and crinolines and for some reason the local huge chain store doesn't really carry it. So frustrating. Who knew it could be so difficult to just get some plain white cotton for a good price? No wonder I'm always fabric shopping when I'm in the States.