Like running stitches, one collectible led to another for Bob Higgins. Stamps of the presidents engaged his interest in history as a teenager. A gift from his father-in-law prompted a passion for Early American furniture. Next came grandfather clocks, antique watches and, before he knew it, he was collecting needlework.

"It was just a little hobby at first," Higgins says in the dining room of his Lake Oswego home. His late wife got him started. She stitched some reproduction samplers and then began looking for authentic examples to study.

The more they learned about the craft, the skills required and the stories behind samplers and other varieties of needlework, the more intrigued they became. And invested. Higgins says he picked up the collecting when his wife's interests shifted.

His 31 years as an auditor for the U.S. Government Accountability Office called for frequent travel around the country. In his free time, he would explore museums, flea markets and antiques shows of Americana.

Since his retirement 15 years ago, Higgins has increased his involvement with the Aurora Colony Historical Society. He is on the board of directors as treasurer.

"He's very knowledgeable about Northwest products," says Patrick Harris, curator of the Aurora Colony Historical Society. "Bob has made a specialty of looking at the Aurora materials. . . . If there's a doubt in provenance, I will lean to him for assistance."

Higgins helped organize an exhibit of samplers, including pieces from his collection and those from the museum, a few years ago, and he helped with some of the acquisitions of Aurora Colony quilts that will be featured in the Old Aurora Colony Museum's 34th annual quilt show, opening Oct. 18.

Higgins admits that many people, including his current wife, find it a bit odd for a man to be interested in samplers and needlework. But he isn't the least bothered.

"One needs to be pretty secure in their identity to collect needlework," he says with a chuckle.

COLLECTION: Early American samplers and needlework, mostly from 1790 to 1830.

WHY HE COLLECTS: "I think the attraction is it's an underappreciated piece of Americana. Samplers were done 98 percent by girls." The best examples date from 1700 to 1840, he says.

HOW IT BEGAN: Higgins' first piece of needlework wasn't at all old; it was a reproduction stitched by his late wife. Her interest in doing needlework expanded into acquiring original examples. As her interests shifted, he continued to add to the collection. At one time, he owned as many as 60 pieces.

COLLECTION STATUS: Higgins has downsized his collection by about 60 percent. Most of his collecting now is in helping the Aurora Colony Historical Society acquire pieces for its collection.

AESTHETICS: Higgins says he looks most for pleasing design and color. He is never drawn to an item solely for its monetary value.

DISPLAY: All of Higgins' pieces are framed under glass with archival backing. He keeps them out of bright rooms.

WHAT THEY'RE WORTH: Values of samplers vary wildly. Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List 2005 showed samplers selling from about $100 to a few thousand dollars. Condition, color and design all contribute to price.

BEST BARGAIN: After decades of collecting, Higgins can't say for certain what was his best bargain. Instead, he tells of someone else's deal on a Hawaiian sampler. Missionaries who went to the island nation during its American colonization taught indigenous girls to stitch samplers. A dealer Higgins knew found one for a steal at $5. Higgins bought it at a sizable markup. It is no longer part of his collection.

ADVICE: Don't collect with the idea that your children can't wait to inherit your things. "They have their own interests," says Higgins sagely. "Most collectors know they're just a caretaker for a time and place."

Nanine Alexander: 503-221-8340; nanalexander@news.oregonian.com

"STITCHED IN TIME"

WHAT: Old Aurora Colony Museum's 34th annual quilt show. Also includes demonstrations and a quilt raffle.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 18-22 and Oct. 24-29