20 Gadgets for the DIYer

By Kate Pruitt (from Design Sponge) on March 15, 2011

You may think that the serious crafters of the world would look down on using technology to aid in the creation of handmade goods. However, the world of the DIYer has been vastly improved by the recent explosion in consumer tech gadgets and user-friendly apps, and the two worlds are actually melding quite harmoniously to produce some amazing stuff. Whether your DIY involves renovating an entire home, building a desk, or even crocheting a potholder, there's a great gadget out there to help you get it done better and faster.

I recently invested in a few new gadgets for my studio, and I've never been happier. The right tools will not only help you get the job done more efficiently, but some of these tech marvels will open up a whole new world of possibilities for what you can create. If you have a birthday coming up-- or better yet, if you need something to do with your upcoming tax refund,--check out some of these great tools and apps and reward yourself. There's something in here for the woodworker, crafter, artist, and all around handyman in all of us. It's nearing the time for spring cleaning anyway, so I say stock up, learn a new skill, and indulge your creative urges a little bit.

What's your favorite DIY project that you've accomplished? Let us know in the comments below.

1. Easystitch app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, $2.99.
2. Knit-n-Count app for for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, $1.99.
3. Brother sewing & embroidery machine, $549.
4. Fabric Stash app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch $4.99.
5. Cricut electronic cutting machine, $99.
6. Laser guided scissors, $17.
7. Xyron 9 inch multi-function crafting system, $76.

1. Makita 18V lithium ion battery 2 tool combo kit, $229.
2. Black & Decker auto leveling laser w/ stud sensor, $60.
3. Home Improvement Calcs app for iPhone and iPad, $2.99.
4. 400 Watt power dome mini generator, $100.
5. Dimensions app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, $1.99.
6. Digital measuring tape, $24.99.
7. Flashlight app for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, free.

1. iHandy Carpenter app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, $1.99.
2. Wixey digital angle gauge, $29.
3. Stainless steel digital calipers w/ LCD screen, $15.
4. Craftsman circular saw with laser trac light and LED worklight, $80.
5. Dremel 8000 cordless rotary tool, $70.
6. I.D. Wood app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, $4.99.

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See all articles from Grace Bonney

See all articles from Kate Pruitt

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Design*Sponge is a daily website dedicated to home and product design run by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney. Launched in August of 2004, Design*Sponge features store and product reviews, sale and contest announcements, new designer profiles, trend forecasting and store/studio tours. In addition, Design*Sponge features a unique section dedicated to covering student design, national and international design shows. The site is updated constantly throughout the day (with an average of 6-10 posts a day), and attracts a core group of devoted readers. Design*Sponge currently has over 60,000 daily readers. As a Contributing Editor at Design Sponge, artist Kate Pruitt shares DIY projects each Wednesday. Kate lives in Oakland, California and has a background in art/art history and recently left her job creating window displays to pursue her own work full time. Growing up in New Hampshire, Kate spent a lot of time building machines out of paper and scotch tape, and thus discovered her first DIY impulses.

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