by Lindsay Strouse

We're finally here ladies and gents! Last night, the designers began their journey of creating their very own collection on Project Runway's Finale Part 2. The final four-Michael, Gretchen, Mondo and Andy-must compete for the three coveted spots at Fashion Week.

Heidi meets with the designers and gives them $9,000 and six weeks to start creating their collections to show at Lincoln Center. Tim will spend the next several weeks visiting the designers to see their progress.

Tim first comes to Hawaii to visit Andy and see how his collection is doing. It's quite entertaining seeing Tim's reaction to Andy dealing with the catfish on his land. Oh, Tim.

Andy had to wait three weeks for special metals to come in and is still in the very beginning stages of his design. Given the expected complexity of his looks, he doesn't have much time to get everything done. On top of that, while each of his individual designs is gorgeous, Tim is worried that as a whole, it might look like a hot mess.

Next up for Tim is Palm Desert, California, where he will meet Michael C. and see how the progress is going. Tim is very impressed with the incredible amount of work that has been accomplished so far.

I really, really like the colors that Michael has chosen, and like usual, it has a very expensive style. But hold on, Michael has already designed about 15 looks-in Tim Gunn's words, it looks like Michael has a case of "design diarrhea." He tells him to stop designing and spend time editing what he already has.

Michael's friend Richard tells Tim about the hardships Michael had to undergo with his parents not supporting him professional or in his personal life. It's visits like these that bring a whole new level to the designers.

Ten days before Fashion Week, Tim heads to Denver, Colorado to visit Mondo. Mondo decided to pull on vintage circuses for inspiration in his collection. Tim's one critique is that some of Mondo's creations look a bit child-like. Other than that, he is very impressed! Later that night, Tim joins Mondo and his family for dinner where Mondo impresses us all with his beautiful piano skills.

Last up, seven days before Fashion Week, Tim pays Gretchen a visit in Portland, Oregon. Gretchen feels a little embarrassed when Tim visits because of the horrible situation she found herself in when she came home from the competition. However, Tim is there to lend a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on.

Gretchen's collection is based off of her country western background and various rural styles from around the world. Tim says some of her pieces seem a bit costume-y, but the other pieces are breathtaking.

After six weeks, the designers are back in New York for Fashion Week where they share a warm reunion. Tim joins them at the Hilton Hotel where they will be staying to bring a little surprise. Each designer is given a much-needed free trip to a resort, compliments of the Hilton Hotel. Once I saw Tim walk in with that black bag, I didn't know if anything good could come out of it!

Tim lets the designers know they must show the judges two looks from their current collection and one look which they must create in two days. And here they thought they would have a relaxing week back!

The final four get right to work. At the end of day one, not everyone is feeling as confident as they did back at home.

Tim feels good about the point Gretchen is at, but is a little worried about Michael C. in his ability to find cohesion. Tim is very happy with Mondo's new piece and even more impressed with Andy's pleating skills and fast work.

Tim leaves the designers with a final sentiment: Andy, Mondo and Gretchen-keep on going with this wonderful trajectory you're on. Michael Costello...don't choke! Yikes.

It's the day of the runway show and the designers must make some very important last decisions. They meet the judges on the runway for the last time before the show begins.

I must say, each designer's collection has a full, cohesive look and I'm very impressed. The judges always have some critiques to say, so let's see what they thought about the looks.

Mondo: Michael Kors likes the individual pieces and the versatility of them. Nina love the boldness, but disagrees with Heidi and isn't a fan of Mondo's polka-dotted full-length gown.

Andy: The judges were extremely impressed with Andy's design that was made in 2 days. The judges are convinced about the range in Andy's collection-he claims there is more versatility in his collection, but the judges aren't convinced.

Michael: Michael Kors likes the last minute gown because of the effortlessness of the fabric and aesthetic. Heidi likes Michael's top, but all the judges are concerned about the color palate. The problem? It is all the same color.

Gretchen: Nina's interest was not peaked in Gretchen's collection-she doesn't think any of it is runway-worthy. Heidi disagrees and likes each of Gretchen's individual looks. Michael's main criticism is that it doesn't look expensive enough.

It seems the biggest problem the designers had was that they chose the wrong pieces to show the judges. I'm interested to see how this is going to turn out for them.

After some heavy deliberation, the judges decide which three designers will head to fashion week and who will be sent home. The first designer in is Mondo. The two designers joining him in Mercedes Benz fashion week will be Gretchen and Andy.

After weeks of being put down by his fellow designers, Michael C. is sent home. He doesn't take the news well and is extremely worried about how his family will react to the news. I feel a knot in my throat because of the pain he's feeling and I'm so sorry to see him go after all the hard work he put in.

So who is going to be the top designer? Don't miss part 2 of the Project Runway finale, airing next Thursday at 9/8c on Lifetime.

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse