Since 1999, Alex Thompson has been passionately knitting, and he is quickly gaining popularity online for his remarkable talent. The self-proclaimed “Crafter of the Year” is capturing the hearts of internet users with his intricate sweaters adorned with images of famous landmarks, which he proudly wears while visiting these sites. Recently, his unique approach to knitting went viral, bringing a sense of wonder and creativity to social media.
A few days ago, images of Thompson’s sweaters featuring iconic locations were shared on Reddit, resulting in an overwhelming response with numerous likes and shares across platforms. Hailing from Baltimore, the talented knitter is now inundated with requests for interviews and messages from admirers worldwide. However, this captivating hobby started years ago.
“I took up knitting in March 1999, initially crafting two solid-colored sweaters using patterns,” Thompson explained in an interview with Mashable. The following year, he sought to expand his skills and designed his very first patterned sweater without a template. To date, he has produced an astounding 103 unique pieces, showcasing various stunning locales, including the Colosseum and the Great Wall of China.
Thompson shared that his recent creations, including sweaters depicting the Dead Sea and the Bahai Gardens, were made in preparation for a trip to Israel in December. Each sweater takes around a month to complete. “I’ve been crafting these sweaters one after another, inspired by unique landscapes or specific landmarks. Anything that catches my eye could become a sweater,” he stated.
While Thompson enjoys knitting, the idea of photographing himself in front of the landmarks he has visited came later in his journey. “So far, I have pictures of myself wearing 91 out of the 103 sweaters at their respective landmarks or similar scenes. I aim to document all of them, although many of the remaining ones will require international travel,” he added.
Thompson’s creativity is not limited to well-known tourist destinations. He draws inspiration from an array of natural beauty, including mountains, wildlife, and even sports. Additionally, he has crafted sweaters celebrating every Jewish holiday. “I started with a Sukkot sweater and followed it up with a Hanukkah design a few months later,” he mentioned to Forward. “I’ve created at least one sweater for every Jewish holiday, and for the longer ones, I often make two or three.”
Currently, Thompson is working on two new projects: a sweater featuring the California Raisins, the fictional animated musical group, and another honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. “The Raisin sweater is for a dance themed around California Raisins, while the MLK sweater is for the upcoming holiday,” he explained. We look forward to seeing both of these creations.
Since his knitting endeavors went viral, Thompson has received numerous requests for custom sweaters. “I have fans from all around the globe eager to get their hands on one, but it takes me about a month to make each one,” he noted. “I can’t become a factory for sweaters.” While the demand is high, it certainly sounds like a fulfilling venture. Without running an Etsy shop, we will continue to follow Thompson as he showcases his knitted artistry around the world.
For more insights into topics related to home insemination, consider checking out this blog post on artificial insemination kits. If you’re curious about breastfeeding challenges, you can find valuable information on lip ties at this expert resource. Additionally, for further understanding of IVF and fertility preservation, The Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource.
In summary, Alex Thompson, known for his inventive and vibrant sweaters depicting landmarks, has turned his knitting passion into a viral sensation. His adventurous spirit and creativity not only highlight his love for knitting but also the joy of travel and exploration.