My husband doesn't like the look of ties, so, this far I've quilted all "our" quilts. But my grandmother tied each and every one of her quilts and I have one that went all the way to Viet Nam and (thankfully) back with my uncle - the fabric is threadbare in spots but all of the ties are intact! She tied hers with yarn; usually leftover strands from latch-hook rug kits, because NOTHING was wasted! She used a really wide needle with kind of a spade shaped head on it to make it a little easier. (Not sure what type of needle that is.)
To me the ties do give a sort of vintage or 'country' look - I think it's charming and makes me think of my grandma so I like ties even though so far I haven't made a quilt with them.