We at Ms. P. Designs USA enjoyed being included in the 2017 year’s Christmas Caroling Row Along Event, sponsored by SeamsToBeSew . Now that the event has ended, we decided to share our row with you in case you haven’t seen it yet.
Our mouse family is dressed in typical Victorian-era costumes. The mouse children represent two kids that you might see when you attend any children’s choir concert: the little boy’s enthusiasm for singing far exceeds his abilities (someone must have told him to sing loud during the rehearsal), while the little girl sings because it makes her happy (and it brings us joy to watch her)! Mother and Father Mouse are dressed in their Sunday best, enjoying the family outing.
The applique panel for our row was made using raw-edge applique, which Susan finished by hand with a blanket stitch and two strands of black embroidery floss. The pieced star flower blocks were created by Sharon, using precision quick-piecing techniques. We used a selection of fabrics provided by Northcott Fabrics (Thank you!), as well as fabrics from our extensive private textile collections (a.k.a. “fabric stashes”).
Our inspiration for our Christmas Caroling row, as well as our Ms P Designs logo, came from some little Christmas mouse ornaments that Susan made and sold at many craft sales in the 1990’s. People at work referred to her as the “Mouse Lady”. Our row brings to mind those precious little mice that made Christmas just a little bit merrier for her children during financially lean times.
If you’re in love with all things Victorian, you can purchase the row pattern from Ms P’s Pattern Shop! The pattern includes the mouse family appliques along with the pieced star flowers.
And now for a bit of historical perspective about our Christmas carol:
“Here We Come A-Caroling” was written in 1850, and was sung to wish everyone good health and a Merry Christmas. Bands of singers (usually beggars and orphans) made their way through the snowy streets of Victorian England, offering to sing good cheer if the homeowner would give them a drink, a penny, or some food to eat. Sometimes the singers were invited inside to stand beside the warmth of the hearth and enjoy some wassail, to warm their tingling toes and fingers before they went out to continue singing the joy of the Christmas season.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too,
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year!
Happy quilting,
Sharon and Susan
Ms P Designs USA 
That row was one of my favorites. Thank you so much for your relief efforts. That is generous of you. I hope you sell many of them!
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Thank you! I hope so too.
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