I like the old timey look of tied quilts too and sometimes add ties to part of the quilt to evoke that feel. Also when I teach a newbie to quilt I often encourage them tie their first quilt project especially if they are a child. Curently I am making a quilt that I will tie an odd assortment of old buttons too, one in the center of each block. My son's fiancee's mother only ties all her quilts and I have heard of other people. Maybe not as common but you are not the only one.