Well-chosen ties make very soft and lovely chenille.  Five or six layers of silk neckties - soft, not stiff - on top of a sturdy base make a nice chenilled piece.  I use the wide end to get a large piece to work with.  ties of soft linen, rayon, or other more loosely woven fabrics also work nicely in the mix.  Chenilled pieces can then be sewn together for a larger project.