The call of a lifetime
April 18, 2010 9:28 amThe day my article came out was such a high for me. I felt so honored and flattered and extremely humbled. It was one of those days I’ll remember forever. As I was getting ready for bed I checked me email. In my inbox was an email from the casting of Project Runway. They said they had seen the article and really encouraged me to apply for next season. I can’t even BEGIN to tell you the thrill!! I absolutely lost it! I debated on whether or not to do it. I have never thought about entering because of the skill level those people are on. But after much debate, I thought, “Why not just apply?”. So after filling out the 25 page application I went to bed on absolute cloud 9, just to be asked.
Then the next morning I got an email from Christa, my new lovely friend, that wrote the article about me and told me THEY HAD CALED HER that next day!! They asked about me and encouraged her to encourage me to apply.
Now, let me saw first off, I’m 99.99% sure that I won’t get a call or email back. I don’t think I’m there. And I know they contact 1,000′s of designers. My moment was just being asked. I’m absolutely serious when I tell you that I won’t be one ounce disappointed by not getting contacted. I’m still reaming from the email and call!!
Now on to my next point… I really debated whether or not to tell everyone. I didn’t want everyone to think that I was bragging or boasting about it. Why I decided to tell you all was to encourage you to keep sewing, designing, crafting, etc… Things really just began for me a year ago when I started this website. My creativity has been so challenged that it’s pushed me on and on to be here today. I would have never thought this series of events would unfold. I just wanted to tell everyone, especially the moms, to pursue what you love. Always keep your priorities right. For me that’s my family. I think it’s hard to not get distracted and let my creativity dominate my day. But I have to keep my girls and husband first. Someday I’m going to show you what my sewing room looks like when I sew. I normally have one, or two, children on my lap while I’m sewing, one is on the floor cutting fabric and gluing it on to something. But we’re together. And THAT’S what matters to me. I have one shot at parenting and I want to give them my ALL. It’s so taxing, I’m so burned out most days by the time I get in bed. But having them with me and putting them and my husband first in my life is something I would never sacrifice for anything. It doens’t mean I can’t mother, be a wife and pursue this dream. But what I know to be true is that I must keep what’s important first in my life. I know that I will never look back and regret all the time I put in to my family. That’s what’s important to me. It doesn’t always feel good, most days hold big challenges, but it’s what I know to be right. And I find peace in pursuing not my big dreams, but in the effort I put in to the daily lives of my family.
I’m beyond honored and flattered to send this application away. On a whim, for a chance, because of a far off dream, here it goes.
This quote is in my about me page. But it’s mean’s the world to me and I try to read it each day, so I share it again.
“Home is a place where we welcome each family member with a sense of belonging. Home is a place where we are free to bring the fullness of our womanhood to bear in every sphere of our life. A woman’s place is in the heart- the heart of her husband, the heart of her children and the heart of her home. Home is a refuge we create for every family member. Homemaking is a call to express fully our personhood and thereby enable every member of the family to understand his or her dignity and worth. I am the queen of my realm. I am the heart of my home.”
~Kimberly Hahn
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- Apr 23, 2010: To Project Runway with Love «
By Emma on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
OH MY GOD! that’s unbelievable news! I love that show – It’ll be so exciting to watch someone on it that I’ve actually heard of!!! I know I’m jumping the gun a bit, but I’m sure you’ll get on – they’ll at least make sure you come in for the sample interview. So exciting! Congratulations…keep at it! You’re definitely the inspiration for me!
By Willew on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the inspirational post and good luck with Project Runway. I recently found your site and have really been enjoying your style. It would be great to see it on TV.
By Kayla R on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Lex,
My friends and I get together every Thursday and watch PR. The talent you have is amazing and I am thrilled you are taking the chance in applying for the show! What an incredible opportunity! You got this, girl! When you make it on the show, we’ll cheer for the whole way!
By Agostina on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
hi lex!
first of all: WOW. I can’t believe it. I don’t know, I found your blog about four months ago, by mere luck. and I was captivated by your lovely style, refashions and cute tutorials. but now, every time you tell us all that’s happening to you, I can’t believe it. You’re so lucky, and you deserve it so much. I have to say I really envy you!! I’m 20, and I’m currently studying to become a fashion designer, here in Buenos Aires, where I live. And sometimes I start thinking “well, what if my moment never comes?” I want to do my best as a designer. I want to give it all. And watching (reading) you becoming all these, I don’t know. It’s huge. It’s inspiring. If you could do it, I know there’s a chance for me. Thank you, Lex.
You have a beautiful family (Side note: I can’t believe you 5 are so damn beautiful. You are gorgeous, your husband is really great looking and your three girls are absolutely beautiful). And I looove to watch what you do for them. It’s obviously covered in love.
Thank you for the inspiration.
I’ll try and cover everything in love, too.
By Morgan on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congrats!! What an honor! How wonderful!!
By Michelle on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Oh wow that’s amazing Lex. You must be so flattered. I read your article where you said you pray over the garments you make and pray for the person it’s for. What a witness and what a ministry you have! Your really taking this on to the next level! It’s only the beginning. One day I will be shopping in Macy’s and see your clothes line. Wouldn’t that be something, something that started so small and that grew so big. God is very good. Also thanks for this post and being so honest about putting family first.
By Erin on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Lex
I have been going to your blog not shortly after you started it. I have enjoyed watching your creative journey. While I normally don’t comment on people’s blogs I just felt compelled to congratulate you. It is very obvious your creativity comes from your love of family. As mothers we forget not only should we teach our children to do the right thing, but also to follow their dreams. The best way we can do that is to follow ours.
Best of Luck. The sad thing is if you go we would all be living through you. I would feel like one of my friends made it and I have never even met you.
Erin
By Jessica Rider on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
CONGRATS! that must feel absolutely amazing! and thanks for making the choice to share it with us! I’ve followed you probably a year now, since you were “my mama made it.” It really is inspiring to watch your story unfold.
By Stacy Parry on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
You are an amazing designer and I would love to see you on one of my favorite shows!!! For the few months that I’ve been following your site, you’ve grwon so much! You are so inspiring and I wouldn’t be shocked to see you have a collection at Bryant Park
. I wish you the best of luck!!!
By Erin on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
I studied Fashion Design about 10 years ago and received an Associates degree for it. I have to be honest, I hated most of it. My teachers were jaded by their experiences in the fashion industry, and I didn’t want to become like them. I never got a job in this industry, never pursued my dreams because of the nature of the training I obtained. It wasn’t until I started reading your blog about 8 months ago that I started dreaming again about my fashion abilities and possibilities. I am a mother of 2 boys and wife to a wonderful man, and you have completely inspired me. The point I am trying to make is don’t let your lack of training lower your confidence level. You obviously work very hard, are incredibly creative and humble, and your biggest asset is that you haven’t been jaded by the industry you are breaking into (in a very unconventional way, I might add). Of course you should expect to make it onto Project Runway AND share that expectation with the world! And if you don’t make it, well it’s just a stupid television show, right? I am a fan of Team Alexis no matter what the next chapter holds for you.
By Alisa on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
I love your blog and check it at least once a day to see what cute things you have come up with this time! If anyone thinks you are bragging they are jealous and need to get that in check. Accomplishments and goals are meant to be strived for and never feel bad for reaching them and being proud of getting there. Congrats. Please keep showing how-tos even when you are famous!!! I love them!
By Amanda on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations Lex!! If you keep pushing yourself, good things can happen. Way to follow your dream and keep your family together at the same time! Good luck!
By Amanda on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
You know the other day while I was looking at your blog and I thought – she should apply for Project Runway!!! Good luck and you are so inspiring to me!
By theresa on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations!!! I so think you deserve to be there, how wonderful to be recognized for your talents! I love the show and watch it with my daughters all curled up in bed, always amazed at what they whip up in 2 days! Seriously! I love the quote at the end of your post and will be keeping by my worktable to reference daily. I feel the same way about my blog and my followers and how they inspire me to create from my heart. I have found such a supportive community that I never could have imagined. I am loving all of it. Good luck to you, Theresa
By Erika on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Lex, after about the middle of your post I couldn’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks… Everything you wrote about how you feel about family is all I dream about having. Sometimes…just sometimes I feel like you are a little bit the “older and wiser” me, and I know, no wait, I am CERTAIN that when my moment comes and I will have my own sweet little family I will want to feel and surely will feel the way you feel about yours right now. You are an unbelievable woman, MOTHER and wife, and you are a fabulous, talented designer. That is what I learned in these few months of reading your posts and admiring your work.
You just do what feels right deep down within your heart, it is always the right thing to do. Don’t repress anything, what ever that might be!
smiles, Erika
By Renee on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
That is so amazing! Congratulations!!! Good Luck.
By Mauri on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations! Wow, that is so cool that they called you. I love Project Runway! Good for you on entering, why not give it a go! Good luck! Love your blog and all your great ideas. You inspired me to tackle a stack of my own t shirts which I have been refashioning into fun maternity shirts for me!
By Priscila on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
I found your blog a few months ago and instantly added it to my feed. I am SO inspired by your work. There’s a true beauty to it. But after reading the article I can truly see why each piece looked so special.I have been a fashion lover every since I was little and I have always wanted to learn how to sew. I thought it was too late now to get started on it now that I have a family, but you have inspired me to revisit this dream. For you make it seem possible. Thank you for pursuing your dreams while keeping your priorities in check for you have inspired me.
By Justine on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
I am so happy for you! Congratulations! Whatever happens, happens, at least you give it a shot!
By Morgan on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
You are not bragging or boasting at all. Thanks for letting us share in your excitement! I’m so happy that you got that call and email, but I’m not going to lie, I would LOVE to see you on that show!
I already love it but it would be pretty much the best with you on it. Thanks for doing what you do- creating pretty things, loving your family, and most of all loving God! 
By Ashley Lugo on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations! That is so wonderful! I’m glad you decided to share your news with us because it really does motivate me (and I’m sure others as well) to keep going!
By Katie Els on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Alexis – I love that show!
I know that if you were chosen, it would be SO hard to leave your man and your girls for such a long time, but I can’t stop thinking about what an impact a strong, catholic girl would have on that audience. Your on-camera comments could change souls! So consider that when they call you, which they will! xoxo
By Taylor on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Thats really amazing! Good luck, I will watch if your on!
By Heidi on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Go Lex! That is so exciting! That show is so inspirational but I always seem to forget to watch it. I’ll be sure to tune in if you make it!
By laamie on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Yeahy! congratulations!
i just read the article in the good times…so lovely!
you are such a sweet, beautiful, talented woman!
you deserve all of the good that you’ve got heading your way!
i’m truly excited for you!!
By Stephanie on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
You deserve everything you have received… huge congratulations and I would be surprised if you DIDN’T get a call back. If you get onto the series I will be watching. My TV has been unplugged for months but I would turn it on just for you. You’re an inpiration to us all to do our best and stay positive…very happy for you!!!
I love that quote btw
By Kendall Boggs on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
how totally exciting!!! check my blog! you won my painting!!!
Congrats!
kendall boggs
By Amy on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
this is such exciting news! lex, thanks for sharing—and for the reminder that creativity and great opportunities are second to family. i love that you sew with your children. i remember watching my mom sew when i was younger, and it left such a mark on me.
i was doing some sewing today and thinking about how in the article, you noted that you pray over every stitch. i like that idea.
again, congratulations!
By M on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congrats! What wonderful news! Thanks for letting us share in your excitement!
Fingers crossed for you!
By christa on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congrats, Lex! You *are* there and you deserve this! You have an exquisite talent, and you’re creating original, stunning designs that women are falling in love with. Your work could be translated to the red carpet, the New York runway, the everyday gal on the street, the fashionista, photo shoots, etc. — your stuff is totally there, and so it’s no surprise that Project Runway found you! May your work resonate on as deep a level with their casting department as it has with all of your fans and followers. Congrats! So happy for you!
By Heidi on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
What an amazing honor and most of all what an amazing role model you are for your family! Your workmanship is amazing and may good things continue to come your way.
By Michelle P on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations! How exciting and fun!
By Rachel on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
How amazing, Congrats! I think I came across your blog early on and I have loved watching it grow, I’m so happy for you!
By jenjen on Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
I am soooo excited for you! I have been thinking all season that you would be perfect to be on there. So so so exciting!!!!
XOXO
Jen
By Rocio on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Wish you all the best and I’m so happy for you! Go, girl, go!! Love from Spain.
By sherri ann on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
This couldn’t have happened to a more talented and deserving person.
Its glorious to see someone get their dues in life.
I wish you the best of luck and I suggest you hold on tight because with all that talent you are going far.
Best wishes Lex, the world awaits it’s introduction to you.
Sherri Ann
By Sandra on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations! I’ve been following your blog for some time in awe of your creativity and how you manage to do it with three children. I have two of my own and I’m also pursuing a similar dream. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing this.
x Sandra
By KarenK on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Terrific!! I am so thrilled for you!! What a beautiful family picture, adorable little ones!!
By Lisa of In Pencil on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
That is awesome…And please don’t ever feel that sharing good news is ‘bragging’. You’ve worked hard; don’t be afraid to own it.
By Jessica on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Project Runway is my absolute favorite show! I’m so excited you got the chance to apply. I’m behind you 100%!!
By Haley on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Congrats!!! Wishing you the best!!
By Kristy on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
I watch that show weekly and it would be great to see you on it. You are such an inspiration to me. I have always wanted to be a fashion designer ,but for some reason have let life get in the way. I think I am going to go and take some design classes. It is something I have wanted to do for so long. You have showed me it is never to late to follow your dreams. Thanks
By Su on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Very exciting. All the best!
By Ashley on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
OMG!! Soo exciting!! Congrats!! PS: I honestly don’t see it as bragging, I think you are excited about something and more than entitled to show it! I love your work and am excited to see you on Project Runway!
By Bria on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Hi Lex. I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year now and haven’t commented yet but I figured this post would be a good one to start with
I love your stuff and have often wondered if I’d see you pop-up on Project Runway, you are so talented. Thanks for being an inspiration and keep-up the great posts, I love reading them.
Anyways, just know that you have a fan up here in Manitoba, Canada.
Take Care and God Bless.
By Micah-Noel on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
That’s incredible news! Pretty exciting…
By Donna on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations on being recognized for the marvel you are. I love that quote and that you keep it real as you grow your skills & sphere of influence! Keep it up!
Donna
By Christine G. Leong on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
You are such a great encouragement to me, as a mom, a wife and a creative being. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I rejoice with you. I didn’t have any inkling that you were “bragging or boasting” at all! You’re merely sharing your blessings, and I just love that!
I collect quotes, and I am going to quote you in my FB account and in my photo blog.
You’re awesome! And I really hope you get in.
Christine (aka Kilikina)
By Nicole Lamb on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
That is SO awesome! I love that show! Can’t wait to hear what comes of it.
By RookieMom Whitney on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
That is so completely cool! Now aren’t you glad you started a blog?!
Even if you don’t move farther, it is certainly an honor to be asked. And makes all of us who admire your work feel validated, too, for having spotted solid talent.
By Sosewlost on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
I love that show and I love your work. What could be a better combination(you put peanut butter in my chocolate, you put chocolate in my peanut butter.)LOL I pray that you get the answer you want. I am already rooting for you on the runway! Dawn
By KatieV on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Congratulations! But more importantly, AMEN to your paragraph about keeping priorities straight. We will never get these parenting years back!
By MrsLimestone on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Wow – how exciting! I hope they select you!!
I didn’t realize my email link was down. Thanks for mentioning it. You can email me at bklimestoner at aol dot com.
By Courtney Brady on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
You are SO inspiring! I began sewing about a year and a half ago and still feel so basic in what I do. But I love to sew (something that came very surprising to me) and I love to be inspired by your site. I check it all the time! Good luck with your pursuits. I know you will go far. And if you get on the show, please let us know so we can watch you. It would be so much fun.
By Natalie on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
I needed to hear this today… Mamas pursuing their dreams!!! Congrats! What a big honor!
By Melissa Wingo on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
That is so amazing! I will be praying for you & that you will get to be on the show! Your success is very encouraging to me to make my dream of designing clothes while being a wonderful wife & mother a reality!
By Sara on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
Lex!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have honestly just been waiting for something like this to happen to you. I believe in a thing they call karma and this is yours! You deserve so much good karma and you are getting it and there is so much more to come. I love project runway and watch it all the time. You have such a good shot at getting on there and when you do I will be watching you. The funny thing is I will feel like I am watching a good friend even though I have never met you. Good luck!!!
Much LOVE from UTAH!!! Xoxo
By Melissa on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply
I just watched last week’s Project Runway this morning after dropping my 4-year-old off at school. And it made me think of you!! You would be awesome!
By Abby on Apr 20, 2010 | Reply
I’m so happy for you Alexis! I haven’t been on your site in a while and WOW, how far you’ve come!! You continue to inspire me not only as an artist, but as a Christian woman. I LOVE the “covered in love” part that the article talked about. Because that’s what our world needs now and always, and you are doing your small part. Well, soon to be BIG part! Congrats!
Abby
PS- I’ve been a long time follower- probably since those first 70 followers you had your first week!
By Bromeliad on Apr 20, 2010 | Reply
I’m proud to just be a reader of a blog of a person invited to apply for Project Runway.
By katie kortman on Apr 20, 2010 | Reply
OHHHH MY GOSH!!!! of course I have also wanted to do that show too, but YOU really should! AND CAN AND IF THEY DON’T PICK YOU THEY ARE CRAZY!!!!
By Amanda on Apr 20, 2010 | Reply
You are amazing!! I truly hope what is ment to be will happen for you! I would love to see you on that show, if not this season, next. SO EXCITING. Congrats!!
By Suma on Apr 21, 2010 | Reply
I’ve been following your blog since the 3rd post of ‘My mama made it’. I am so glad that you shared this piece of wonderful news with us. You truly deserve this and much more because you are a very talented,sweet and generous person.
We get to see project runway here in India. Its one of my favourite shows. I’ll be very happy to see you on it. you truly deserve to be on it.
Wishing you all the best in everything you do.
Love from India
By Nancy on Apr 21, 2010 | Reply
You deserve to go on the show. I love your designs. I read your blog nearly everyday and one of these days I’ll attempt to start making grown up clothes. Congrats on the invite.
By Emily on Apr 22, 2010 | Reply
I’m so happy for you. And this is very much an inspiring post! I just love how down to earth and sweet you are. But the most impressive thing to me is your absolute devotion to your family. VERY inspiring.
By Amy on Apr 22, 2010 | Reply
Lex, it is because of your priorities that we, your readers, are all SO THRILLED that you are succeeding! It’s because we all know that if it came down to having to choose your family or your business, you would choose your family without a second thought. I would love to see you on PR, for many reasons, but in particular to represent the moms that are committed to their families in word AND deed! Plus, you would ROCK IT!! I pray that God will bless you, and you’ll give Him all the glory!!
By shevy on Apr 22, 2010 | Reply
Wow! That was a beautiful post! I was crying as I read it, I feel the same way about being a mother and pursuing our dreams. I really hope you make it to project runway!
By dana on Apr 24, 2010 | Reply
Alexis! That is too cool. MAJOR congrats. And yes, no matter where it leads…..totally cool that have gotten that awesome phone call. I’m so happy/exicted for you.
And what a beautiful post. It was just what I needed to hear today.
Thanks for writing that out
By Kirsten on Apr 25, 2010 | Reply
project runway would be lucky to have you. I feel so thankful to call you friend.
By Nicole on Apr 26, 2010 | Reply
I would be sooo excited to watch!! I LOVE that show, and how cool would it be to think… Wow.. I used to watch her blog when she just started!!!
SO COOL! Congrats!
By Lindsay McRitchie on May 17, 2010 | Reply
I knew it! That was the first thing I said to you once I learned about your website and recent hobby. I check in every once in a while, kinda like checking into facebook or something (at least once a week or two weeks) to see what new fun things you’re working on.. and the FIRST time I visited, I knew it… Project Runway is in your future and I am not even surprised to learn that they’ve contacted you. Congratulations Alexis! You are so talented!