The Do It Yourself trend is catching on among the city's youngsters, which is reflected in the return of the popular old practice of knitting and weaving.

On Tuesday, the last day of the weeklong National Day holiday, dozens of women in their 20's rushed to a shop on downtown Nanjing Road W. to buy knitting wool and learn weaving skills.

Sitting with senior professionals, the young customers - mostly females - feel as though they are learning from their mothers the old knitting and weaving skills, which are almost neglected nowadays by young women caught up in the fast pace of life.

"We lure customers by providing DIY lovers with a unique club-like atmosphere," said Zeng Qing, manager of the shop which sells wool from Italy, Germany and Spain.

Many customers have come three or four times a week, said shop assistant Cui Guifeng.

"A lady has finished more than 10 pieces, including sweaters and scarves, in one year at our shop during her leisure time," she added.

The handmade woollies are often sent to close relatives and friends as special gifts, said Cui.

"Our sales sharply increase during festivals, such as Mother's Day," said Zeng.

Compared with costly brands, a DIY sweater is much cheaper, but the significance behind it is even more dearer. In fact, most DIY fans pay more attention to the production process rather than the final result.

"I can't afford a luxury brand scarf, but I want my mother to know it's the warmest scarf woven by myself, just like she wove for me in my childhood," said Karen Lu, a 26-year-old office worker, who plans to give the scarf as a birthday gift.

Several years ago, when IKEA introduced DIY into home furnishings, many locals felt it odd to assemble furniture by themselves. Today, DIY has become a way of life for many Shanghainese.

Among favorite DIYs, Cross Stitch is the top choice for students. They first begin to learn by stitching a key ring, then a bigger one, and finally they stitch a big picture, which is normally hung in their living rooms, said a Xiangdai Plaza vendor.

Besides, fans also toy with DIY toys, with Touda Original Toy Store opening three branches.

"Diy is a way to showcase personal character. Modern society tends to be standar-dized and with pressure, people need an outlet to release their pent-up fee-lings," Zhou Chunsheng, professor of the Shanghai Teachers University, said.

(eastday.com October 9, 2003)