YHR:

Think I mentioned candle wicking for rope about a year ago... but no-one pays attention to me. Neat thing is ya can get it with and without insert, and if you want, thread some wire down the middle to help hold it in place. It also takes latex paint well so 'dying' it with my dunk-method (in the sticky topic) is an easy thing. One thing I would recommend is a bit of white glue, clear nail polish or CA on the wick before ya cut it, because it unravels like crazy.

You can also get it in various diameters and types. I've even used it to make braided hoses in assorted models, much cheaper than the eBay stuff. for cable sleeves, I've even used a giant form for wiring harnesses - shoe-laces! Nylon ones can be 'sealed' with a soldering iron, cotton with various glues or a bit of heat-shrink tube.

Let the mind wander, and you can think of lots of uses for various bits laying about the house.