New York ? Ten days after being convicted in a stock scandal, Martha Stewart resigned Monday from the board of the homemaking empire that bears her name and stamps it on everything from magazines to bedsheets.

Stewart, 62, also stepped down as chief creative officer of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

But she was given the new title of founding editorial director, meaning she would probably remain an influential part of the company, despite an impending prison sentence that could last more than a year.

The move showed that the company is not ready to completely sever its ties with the homemaking queen, who owns 61 percent of the stock.

Chief executive Sharon Patrick said the company and its shareholders would “benefit most if we are able to continue to take advantage of Martha’s creative inspiration and capitalize on her prodigious skills and experience in the domestic arts.”

In Stewart’s new role, she will provide creative inspiration for the design and development of new products; write two books, “Homekeeping” and “Baking,” and provide advice on the company’s brand and strategy, the company said.

Stewart resigned as chairman and CEO last June after being indicted. She said the move to step down as board member and chief creative officer was “in the best interest” of the company.

“I am heartsick about my personal legal situation — and deeply sorry for the pain and difficulties it has caused our employees,” she said in a statement.

Stewart had been expected to relinquish her board seat since the verdict, but reportedly had been pressing to keep some creative nonofficer role. Had she not stepped down, the Securities and Exchange Commission probably would have forced her to do so because she is a convicted felon.