Patton, who

is an avid knitter, took the group of beginner knitters and turned them

into pros in a matter of months. She started by teaching the participants

how to knit a simple square. Now the members have developed skills that

have enabled them to create a multitude of items such as blankets, throws,

sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens.

"When

my daughter came home and asked me if she could join this knitting club,

I was thrilled. My grandmothers taught me to knit a long time ago but

I had forgotten most of it. I thought it was great that she was going

to be learning what is becoming a lost art. I immediately called Ms. Patton

to see if I could join, too," said Lisa Eichelberger, who comes almost

every Wednesday to knit with her daughter, Tera.

Members of

the club are doing more than merely knitting clothing and other items;

they are knitting relationships as well. During the hour they spend together

each week, they not only swap knitting ideas and techniques, but they

also have fun catching up on the latest news and happenings in each other's

lives. Eichelberger says she looks forward to something that she and her

daughter can do together while going over the day's events.

Patton, who

is just finishing her first year as principal of the school, says one

of her main goals of forming the group was to help her get better aquatinted

with students and parents.

"This

gives us a time to come together in a relaxed environment to get know

each other. We just sit around and chat as we knit," said Patton.

Patton had

formed a similar group at Fayette Middle while she was an assistant principal

but says this is the most participation that she has ever had. As word

spread about the group, several students from the adjacent Starr's Mill

High joined the club. In fact, the group has been so popular at Rising

Starr that parents are already contacting Patton about signing up for

next year.

"This

is something that I will definitely continue. I am looking forward to

next year's group with even more people participating. The more the better;

I can't wait," said Patton.