Hey all you knitters ... a preview and jump on Easter knitting ...

As many of you know, I write the handcrafts column for the quarterly Catholic homeschool magazine, mater et magistra.  I'm just putting the finishing touches on the column for the Spring 2011 issue, an issue with a large chunk of editorial space devoted to Easter celebrations. 

Whenever I write the column, I try and include a bit of knitting content and this column is no exception.  In fact, I created a design just for Easter:  a set of nested fabric baskets knit using a re-purposed sheet cut into strips.  To get a free copy of the pattern, subscribe to this wonderful magazine ... if you just can't wait till then, I have the pattern available for immediate download from my Raverly store ($4.00 for the design with all info necessary to recreate this one-of-a-kind Easter decoration). 

 

Of course these baskets would be wonderful for a new baby's room, or powder room, or wherever you want a splash of color and distinction.  [I'm thinking of making seasonal sets as well as a set that will coordinate with the dining room decor!]

Writing: CWG and their Conference

The Catholic Writers Conference Live is scheduled for August 4-6, 2010 at King of Prussia, PA.

If you're interested in attending, you can find more information and a registration form here:  http://catholicwritersconference.com/



This is a great chance to pitch your writing ideas as well as to listen to some great talks and meet/greet the powers that be in the Catholic publishing world. 

If you do go, make sure you stop in and say "hi" to Margot at Hillside Publications ... a fellow homeschooler (and my publisher!), she was instrumental in getting me involved at the Catholic Writers Guild and in getting my book, In His Image, the CWG Seal of Approval.
 

Advent is Joy: Gaudete in Real Life

I’ve always loved the Advent season for the chance to start new, to clean out the cobwebs and dust of my life and prepare a place for the Christ Child in my home and my heart. Advent is filled with joy and hope in the coming of the Christ Child; however, this is something I can forget in the rush to ...

To read the rest of my article, please check out Phases of Womanhood!  Let me know what you think ...

Saints: celebrating the heroes of our Church everyday!

Here's an article I wrote for Phases of Womanhood about how we use Saints: A Year in Art:

Catholics are so fortunate – our Church has given us mean and women to emulate and to pray to for help in any facet of life. We have patron saints for every occupation, every country (and most cities, too), and every hobby. We have patron saints – those whom the Church has deemed worthy of interceding for us to God – for every addiction, health problem or stage in life.

It’s easy to remember to celebrate the “biggies” ...

to finish the article, read on MacDuff ...