As I was setting up for a recent show, I noticed that several children (and adults) were closely watching me get my ropes ready. My usual cover (a servante to ditch with) was not going to be able to put in place without drawing suspicion so I picked up a few shorter pieces of rope (left from previous performances) and started comparing them and looking foolish. I'd cut one and notice the other was now longer and then have to cut it as well. The scheme I had come up with was to litter the area with several pieces of rope so when I ditched my surplus later on the ground behind my table, it wouldn't be noticed.
It worked like a charm and the sheer comedy of it had my future audience in stiches.