Centre Stage by Marlize Meyer

For regular readers of All Stitched Up!, you will know that we have pledged to start bringing back kits for some of our most popular projects over the years. Making the decision about which projects to select is always difficult because there are just so many beautiful designs to choose from. But with the realisation that silk ribbon embroidery is enjoying a resurgence, it didn’t take us long to decide that Centre Stage by Marlize Meyer simply had to return.

This stunning project first appeared in Inspirations issue #77. It was designed by Marlize Meyer from Pretoria, South Africa. Marlize started out as a wedding dress designer. Her passion for beautiful things, and her particular love of silk ribbon embroidery led her to create this iconic project, which we are so thrilled to be able to make available again. 

Centre Stage is a stitched on a simply stunning silk print of a gorgeous ballerina by our very own Di van Niekerk.

She’s surrounded by a cornucopia of flowers and is dressed in a stunning beaded tutu and headdress, all masterfully stitched in beads, tulle, and silk ribbon.

The beauty of this type of project is that you can stitch as much or as little as you choose. Marlize has provided clear directions on how to select and embellish certain elements, explaining the stitches you need to master and the types of ribbons you should use. This results in a gorgeous, three-dimensional effect made all the more striking because of the exquisitely painted background. But if you see other areas on the print that you feel would look beautiful stitched, then you are free to do so.

Using different widths and colours of silk ribbon, you can create the beautiful range of different flowers that cascade from the bouquet on the top of the piano. You will then use delicately shaded pink ribbon to create the ballerina’s tutu, as well as the unlaced ribbons on her ballet shoes that fall elegantly across the piano stool. Centre Stage seems to capture a moment in time. 

Embellished embroidery was incredibly popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s and we’re so excited that stitchers are rediscovering how enjoyable it is to do today. You are going to fall in love when you open your kit and see the stunning printed silk background. Although it is lovely just as is, as soon as you thread your needle, you know you are going to create something truly unique.

We can almost guarantee you’ll be looking for more printed silk ribbon embroidery projects to complete once you’ve experienced the joy of stitching Centre Stage. This wonderful project will take pride of place on your wall, ready to be admired by all who see it.

Centre Stage by Marlize Meyer is a wistful silk print with dainty ribbon embroidered ballerina and romantic bouquets.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Centre Stage includes everything* you need to re-create this dainty ballerina: Fabrics (inc. with pre-printed background), tulle, sewing thread, beading thread, craft paper, stamens, fibre fill, ribbons, embroidery threads, beads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/pattern.