I purchased 2 garbage bags filled with ties a couple of years ago at an auction. I washed them in the washer (even though I was told not to do that) and most came out fine. Some of these ties are probably 40 years old.... fat ones, skinny ones, etc.
I haven't started the quilt yet (too many UFOs) but I plan to do paper piecing..... using muslin for the paper and sewing the ties to it. I want a crazy quilt as a result.
I did a search online once and saw some beautiful quilts made from ties..... and some not so beautiful.
Good luck.