WP: Hi Laura, how are you?
BPR: Congratulations on making the All-Star cast.
WP: Thank you so much, it only took eight years, but I finally got back.
BPR: Are you glad that you agreed to compete in the All-Stars?
WP: Of course, once a competitor, always a competitor.
BPR: Did you watch the episode last night?
WP: I am on the east coast in Virginia, and we are still having some power issues. Unfortunately I did not watch but I have done my research this morning.
BPR: Are you familiar with Blogging Project Runway?
WP: Yes!
BPR: Well, our readers are disagreeing with your elimination.
WP: Yay - I love your readers.
BPR: Since you missed the episode, I will tell you that you looked adorable in the dancing scene.
WP: Oh dear. I was hoping they would edit that out, but several people have mentioned it this morning.
BPR: I'm completely sincere - you looked like you were having a blast.
WP: Come on, Laura, wouldn't you dance with Josh?
BPR: Of course, I love Josh, and Suede too! Are you still in touch with him?
WP: Yes, "Swendy" lives. I don't know if they got that moniker in, but the other designers were calling us "Swendy." I have stayed very close to him. He is a phenomenal designer and an amazing person. This was one of the great takeaways from the experience.
BPR: Besides Suede, who were your best friends from the cast?
WP: Obviously, Peach and I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together. I can't say enough about her either. She has a great eye, an amazing attitude. She is so generous. I love her.
WP: Hold on Laura, I have to shine up my broom and polish the point on my hat....
BPR: Okay, I will wait....
WP: Maybe it's my age, I'm 48, but I see it as a blessing. I love all of the crazy things that I have done in my life. I don't cringe when I watch that season. I kiss the ground. When I watch Season 1, I see my relationship with my daughter. I am caught forever with my daughter. That's what I see. That's what I will always remember from the season.
BPR: How is Finley?
WP: She is 13 and as tall as I am.
BPR: I'm sure she is beautiful.
WP: Yes, she is. I have grown in eight years, and so has she. She is so proud of me for going back into the ring. This has been one of the more fun aspects of the All-Star experience. I have been able to share it with her again.
BPR: Have you watched all of the seasons of Project Runway?
WP: No I really didn't because you know I don't have a tv. So, I didn't recognize all of the designers. I had no preconceived ideas about them. I literally melted when I met them all because they are so talented. I just have such high regard for what they do.
BPR: How did you like Joanna as a mentor?
WP: I love Joanna. I felt an instant connection with her. I found her comments to be very helpful and thought-provoking.
BPR: What are you working on now?
WP: I am producing new lines for my boutique. I continue to create designs for my ready-to-wear line as well as custom work. I have my own showroom here in Middleburg.
I also have a cookie business as well as a soup business and I am writing a cookbook to accompany the soup business.
BPR: Wow. that's really impressive. So entrepreneurial...
WP: I love sewing and cooking. I call myself a domestic goddess, Laura because I cook and sew.
I believe in supporting local causes and keeping the commercial aspects within this local zone.
BPR: Did you have the opportunity to cook for the designers in the hotel suite?
WP: No, unfortunately I didn't.
BPR: We are almost out of time, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
WP: I am so grateful to everyone who supported me on season one. We were trailblazers back then, and stuck with me. One of my favorite things to hear is that they watched me back then and they are watching again on All Stars. It meant so much to be back. Thank you everyone. Never stop going after your dreams because you never know when an opportunity will come along.
BPR: Thank you Wendy.
WP: Thank you!
