The story on the mens tie quilt...I googled men's tie quilts. and found Daddy's Ties by Shirley Botsford for sale on
www.Amazon.com and
www.ebookmall.com the latter price is 12.95.
www.about.com Huntsville, AL, was the next hit, that tells about Making a quilt using Men's ties....silk ties...in photos in various projects as well. Might be a starting place.
Good luck.