Re: Who dabbles with braiding 550 cord?
I have tied watch bands for my "outdoors " watch.
I also tied a monkey fist around a 1/2 inch ball bearing, that becomes a lanyard with a round braid, and a slipknot out of a square slide, for a wrist band/slung-shot. One piece. Of course it is just a key fob. ; )
I also make a David and Goliath type sling out of one line, with a small monkey fist at one end, and a sliding loop at the other, and a basket in the middle, or use a separate leather, or tire rubber pouch. Lots of instructions available on the interweb, just for doing a search.
For me the hardest part (watch band) is getting started, and (sling or anything else) the monkey fist gives me fits! I too demand to be left alone while braiding.
Several of the old guys hereabouts, braid rawhide into ropes (lariats), and other useful items. It is a fading skill out here in the west.