Nidavellnir reviews
Louisa Bain reviewed: Nalbinding Starter Kit: Nidavellnir's Nalbinding for Beginners Complete Craft Kit (nålbinding, naalbinding, nalebinding, needlebinding)
"I bought a Nalbinding starter kit and was a little surprised at the lack of content when I received it. It contained 2 balls of wools, 2 booklets (one of which was a feedback form) and a needle. The instruction booklet is A6 size and about half is dedicated to the history of Nalbinding and how Bruni has become an expert in the field. I was keen to make a start and followed the instructions in the book but found them very difficult to follow. I tried many times and didn't want to give up so went on YouTube to see if I could find any tutorials there. I did find other people who had posted clips and tried again. This then made me feel cheated as I could have bought a needle and wool, looked on YouTube and spent more like £20 instead of £66. I gave Bruni some feedback and she replied very quickly with a very long explanation about the heritage and how many years she has dedicated to promoting the craft. That is all very laudable but not the reason I should pay more than 3 times the worth of the product. I mentioned i had had to resort to using YouTube and she said that the product is designed to be used in conjunction with these videos. So as far as I can see part of the £66 is using other people's video clips. I feel very disappointed with the product and the response to my feedback. I have booked many classes through Craft Courses before and felt that this, although expensive for a non face to face course, would be good value as it is a platinum course. I do appreciate that crafts, especially heritage crafts, need to be supported and kept alive but this is not the way to do that."
Nidavellnir responded:
"As discussed with you, I have explained my credentials regarding nalbinding&how the starter kit resources are structured. The listing for the course/starter kit is comprehensive&lists exactly whats contained in it. I actually directed you to my own resources online via my 'Nalbinding with Nidavellnir" support group on facebook&my own Youtube videos under 'Emma Boast'; not 'just general nalbinding ones' online.Which bear no ressemblence to how i teach. I tried to highlight this to you but sadly you just dismissed it. My students use the starter kit independently & if they need more support, i can remote guide/teach you for free, as youve purchased the kit. Its meant to be a crafting-dialogue between me&my students.However, when i offered to provide extra support & teaching to you, you dismissed my requests. I'm sorry the Starter Kit didnt meet your expectations. I hope you find a way to access nalbinding as a heritage craft, in a way that best suits you."
Alison reviewed: Nalbinding Starter Kit: Nidavellnir's Nalbinding for Beginners Complete Craft Kit (nålbinding, naalbinding, nalebinding, needlebinding)
"Very expensive for 2 x balls of wool, a needle and a short book. Whilst I’m interested to learn this I was very disappointed"
Nidavellnir responded:
"I'm really sorry to see you feel the Starter Kit is only worth 1 star. This kit is self created and self published by myself as an archaeologist & heritage craft specialist. So all my knowledge & expertise of 10years+ has been put into making this resource accessible to those who arent aware of this endangered heritage craft. The wool has been sourced and included to aid in teaching a beginner. The bone needle is ethically sourced,& historically appropriate for teaching this ancient craft. This starter kit has found its home & use mainly within the heritage reenactment community. I'm sorry you feel disappointed in a unique set of resources.The postage includes 1st class Uk Special Delivery,I dispatched this item to you with delivery next working day. I would recommend having a look at my extra resources on youtube to help explain & understand the complexity and skill in the ancient craft of nalbinding."