I keep my laddered tights and cut them into strips. They make a nice firm tie, but with some give and softness to them. If you cut off the foot separately you can slip these over your ripening corn cobs to keep away the mice and birds. Now, I know that the menfolk amongst us won't have any old tights, but a word of warning - before you all raid your wife's/partner's undie drawer I would check first that you're not using her best tights or stockings. I won't be answerable for the consequences if you don't.