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Before Hope Alive opened in 2006, each bedroom of the Sabillasville homeless shelter was decorated by a volunteer group with the intent to make the house feel like a home for families who would be staying there, according to development manager Doree Lynn Miles.

Knick-knacks, wall hangings and bed linens were placed in each of the house's 12 bedrooms. But each family can only stay in the shelter for two years, during which the mothers work with staff to gain life skills and correct issues that initially led to homelessness, such as limited education. As for the decorations, "those items stay at Hope Alive when the families move on," Miles said.

That's where Sisto's Sewing and Quilting Studio in Frederick comes in. The shop is participating in a nationwide effort, sponsored by American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, to produce 1 million pillowcases to be donated to hospitals, nursing homes or shelters in each participating store's community. On Monday, Sisto's made its first donation of pillowcases, featuring some adult designs for the six moms in the house but also plenty of ladybugs, kittens, whales and camouflage for the 13 children.

During a period in their lives where the residents are constantly faced with "not having a choice," they deserve to "pick something out that will make them happy," said Nichole Sisto-Johnson, co-owner of the store.

Since they leave behind most of the room's decorations when they leave the shelter, they should also be in possession of at least one keepsake from their time "of starting over," she said.

Susan Cline, an employee at the store, said many sewers like to "bless their family with their craft." But "this is one way they can go beyond the family," she added.

Even inexperienced sewers can help the cause, though, because the store has assembled pillowcase kits that come complete with coordinating fabrics and directions.

With her help, her 12-year-old grandson Joe was able to make a camouflaged case, Cline said.

Helene Wagner, Cline's friend from Locust Grove Church of the Brethren in Mount Airy, said many women in the congregation have participated in the challenge.

She said she likes the idea of making pillowcases for those in need because they're simple to make and they're "comforting as well as useful" for the children.

Miles agreed.

"It gives both the moms as well as the children something they can really hold onto," she said. It's also a something they can take with them to "remember their time at Hope Alive," she added.

With their bright designs and intricate patterns, "just looking at them makes you smile," she said.

One aim of the shelter from its start was to make residents "feel like this was their home," she said. Not a "shelter or a dorm room," she added. The pillowcases, which each member of the house will be able to choose for themselves, will help accomplish that important goal, she said.

Sisto-Johnson said the store also hopes to donate to an area nursing home and the pediatric oncology wing of Frederick Memorial Hospital.

E-mail Courtney Pomeroy at cpomeroy@gazette.net.

To find out more about the American Patchwork & Quilting 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge go online to www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases.

Area shops participating include

-Sisto's Sewing and Quilting Studio, 1911 N. Market St., Frederick; 301-695-0643, info@sistosquilting.com, www.sistosquilting.com

-Patches Quilting & Sewing,

308 S. Main St., Mount Airy; 301 831-0366; www.patchesquilting.com