How collections get started

So how many of us have collections that we didn't even realize were collections?   Some I have chosen to start myself and others just happened without any conscious thoughts on my part. 

Flower frogs of all sizes, materials and shapes

Baby cups and shoes-this collection started when I got my mom and Mark's baby cups then I started finding them at thrift stores for a $1 or $2 so I couldn't leave them behind.  I got my brother and Mark's little white baby shoes and a new collection was born.....pun intended.

Sock darners in a old wooden bank safe deposit box which started with a couple that I picked up at estate sales for just $1 then we moved to Germany and the collection exploded.  I'm beyond addicted to collecting them now but only if I can get them for a couple of bucks or less.  My latest is the white blown glass one that I found at an antique store last week here in NC.  I have never seen one like it so I should research to see when they were produced.

Pincushions which I just love, love, love and have no idea how I started collecting them.  I remember playing with my Granny's when I was little because I loved the colored heads on some of them.  I'd try to get all the colors lined up in a section which will surprise no one that knows me because I'm a little ocd with things being orderly.

Yellow ware and chickens

More chickens

More yellow ware

Coverlets make me swoon!  I never dreamed that I'd own any but long admired them in other people's collections then I discovered estate sales where I could actually afford them. 

Spice boxes, pewter and chickens

Pewter

More yellow ware and that top bowl was the start of my collection.  Mark bought it for me when we were living in KY for our anniversary after I saw it at a store and swooned over it.  I had seen them in Country Living but had never seen one in person until that day. 

Even more yellow ware (I may have a problem)

And this is only the living room, kitchen and dining room areas!  Plus I downsized a sold tons of my treasures, furniture and décor when we moved......I might be a bit of a hoarder. 

So what are your collections and how did they start?