The blanket over the shoulder is more comfortable than having the cordage dig into your shoulder from the weight. That's the reason Sparky went with the wide braid was to keep the cordage from hurting.
You might try the Cobra braid. It's fairly easy to master and repetitive so it might offer you the challenge you are looking for. It doesn't have to be paracord. Any cordage around #60 size would work.
Pick whichever set of instructions are easiest to understand.
http://www.google.com/search?q=cobra...ient=firefox-a