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swiss vs italian organdy is the less expensive one good enough?
meleliza   Intermediate PA Member since 5/4/11 Posts: 493	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/19/13 1:25 PM I'm working on a First Communion dress and we've decided to go with cotton organdy over batiste. The orgady will have some kind of detail near the hem - tucks, decrotive stitching, maybe even lace insertion. I've found Swiss organdy at $30-$35 per yard, but also found Italian organdy at $19 per yard. That's a pretty hefty difference in price so I want to be careful before I buy it. I need like 4.5 yards of the stuff, so I'd like to purhcase the less expensive one, but I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish. Maybe this little girl will want to keep the dress for her daughter. Can anyone say something about the difference between the two? ------ Melanie
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to meleliza << Like this post Date: 1/19/13 3:12 PM Can you get swatches of both?
meleliza   Intermediate PA Member since 5/4/11 Posts: 493	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/19/13 7:39 PM Well, I can get half yard cuts, which would be nice for practicing on, but a little pricey for swatches. ------ Melanie
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to meleliza << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/19/13 9:29 PM The only criterion is what it's worth to you--and only your hands on the fabric can tell you that.
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1531	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/19/13 11:00 PM One site describes the difference this way: Quote: Italian Organdy is an old fashioned fabric that has loads of body but slightly softer than Swiss. Not as sheer either. Lovely!! I suspect you have to feel the difference for yourself.
ElizabethDee   Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 12/27/06 Posts: 709	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/20/13 9:26 AM Can you contact the merchant(s) and ask to purchase swatches? It seems like such a reasonable request, especially given the price of the fabrics.
PetitePear Advanced Beginner Member since 6/10/10 Posts: 217	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/20/13 12:49 PM I agree with trying to get your hands on the swatches. If you really can't make it work. I would consider buying the half yard cut of the cheaper fabric and see if it's "good enough". The half yard will not be useless -- you should still be able to use it if you go for this fabric. For a communion dress I assume there will be lots of small pieces you can cut from the half-yard. Even if you go for the other fabric after that, you may still be able use it for facings, etc.
gaylee1949 Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 6/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post In reply to PetitePear << Like this post Date: 1/20/13 9:19 PM Google the fabric--there are lot of options with varying pricing and swatches offered. Gail D.
meleliza   Intermediate PA Member since 5/4/11 Posts: 493	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/22/13 10:56 AM Thanks for all your replies! They will do swatches but need me to send a SASE first with the request. However, I'm on a little bit of a time crunch. I spoke with the store and they described the Italian as very nice and slightly softer, whereas the Swiss is "top of the line." Sooooo, I might just order the 1/2yd of each to see for myself. The Swiss is wider too, so I could always lay out my pattern and see exactly how much I need. I will need some to practice with before I work on the actual dress. ------ Melanie

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