craftgrrl | long time reader, occasional poster!

-I'm in the process of putting together a bake sale for my team, and I'm trying to come up with creative things to bake and sale on campus. Thanks to you all for the chocolate covered coffee bean idea! I made a test batch tonight and so far they've been well-recieved. ^^

-A side project of mine involves turning a basmati rice bag into a lined handbag with pockets. [I used an old messenger bag made out of corduroy as the lining.] Because the rice bag is made out of burlap, I've decided to make a macrame band for the shoulder strap. Could one of you crafty folks give me suggestions as to what sort of cord would be suitable for this sort of thing? I'm planning to use this handbag for small to medium things, like a book, keys, perhaps knitting stuff, or my camera. [Perhaps all of those things at once!] Also, I'm trying to find something that is both strong and won't irritate my bare skin. Finally, couuld any of you suggest macrame knots that would be ideal for this sort of function?

Thanks! ^^