by Todd Betzold

Many people feel that Wendy Pepper should have won it all on the first season of Project Runway, but instead she had a third place finish. Looking to redeem herself and maybe finally get that title, Wendy came back for the second season of Project Runway All Stars and was on a mission to mow down her competition. It turned out that disco would be the mowing her down, as her disco-themed look was all over the place for the judges and they sent her home. Today she spoke to RealityWanted and other reporters in a conference call about her experiences on Project Runway All Stars.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What was it like being back in the Project Runway workroom after all these years?
A. Wendy: I loved it and I had so much time to reflect on the role that this show has played in the industry and the culture at-large. It's hard to imagine filming it so long ago. I remember the first time I was there we didn't know what we were doing. It had never happened to me any time in my life and this time around I felt like an old pro, so it was kind of fun in a way that the first one wasn't fun.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: With all the talented designers back this season, did anyone stand out to you as a possible winner this season?
A. Wendy: I have to be really honest. I did not watch any other seasons since I was on, so I really met all these people for the first time and what I was so blown away by was that everyone has a different strength and specialty as a designer. You kind of always hope when you work in an industry that you are known for things. What I loved about the group was literally everyone did different things. There is nobody that isn't setup to win it. There are no weak links there.

Q. Did you get to see the episode last night and what did you think of the judges' comments?
A. Wendy: I have been able to consult with many people that I know about the episode and it sounds like they were actually pretty easy on me, which I was happy to hear.

Q. What made you decide to return to Project Runway All Stars?
A. Wendy: I have such a huge connection to Project Runway. It really changed my life. When I tried out for Season 1, it was sort of the beginning of a lot of the reality TV. I was not going to be returning to New York and competing against some of the fashion designers with the lifestyle I have. It was an amazing opportunity to break out of my life track at the time and to have a chance to try my skills again, ten years later.

Q. You had such a love with Suede going on. How is your friendship now?
A. Wendy: It's kind of like I gained a brother and they are totally still close.

Q. I thought the judges were easy on you and you even got some compliments from some of them. Were you surprised you were the one to go home?
A. Wendy: I think you have to understand that we are all really good at what we do and somebody has to go home. I think the level of the work that was being done was really great. It probably sounds like a cliché, but I was thinking nobody wants to go home and we all want to compete and win. I assume we all went with the same intent. I was fine with it and I had a great time.

Q. Do you regret anything?
A. Wendy: Maybe I regret making those pants (laughs). I think I would have used a different fabric for my pants. After I got back from shopping, I wasn't sure if I liked the fabric. I think Joanna kind of echoed that, but I don't think I go back and re-buy.

Q. What are you doing now?
A. Wendy: I have a few businesses that I run back here in Virginia and I'm actually writing a cookbook right now. I have a soup business, which you may or may not have known about, but I make soups from local farmers' produce and I am writing a cookbook to accompany that business right now.

Q. Where can people go online to stay in touch with you?
A. Wendy: I have a website and I have a link to my Facebook page on there. I have a small boutique here in Middleburg. On my Facebook page, I have links to my soup business and I also have a small cookie business. If people want to reach me, they can find me with links off my web page.

Q. For all the people that were Team Wendy this season, what would you like to say to them?
A. Wendy: I would say stick with your dreams and never ever think that time has run out on anything. There is always another opportunity coming around the bend and I am proof of that.

Project Runway All Stars airs Thursdays at 9/8c on Lifetime.

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

Follow Todd on Twitter @TopicalTodd