Perhaps ivy? I know it can get invasive in warmer zones, but I'm not too sure if you're in one of those zones. Variegated hybrids tend to be a little less vigorous, if that's a concern, and prettier IMHO.

Janet's Garden

You might look at epimedium. They are small, from 6 to 16 inches high. If the spot you are trying to plant is elevated it would be a wonderful showcase for them as they are delicate looking and the spidery flowers would show up well. They also love dry shade and some varieties spread, others clump. Here are some pictures. The foliage is attractive all season.

I love epimediums, but for me they don't cover a lot of ground quickly. How about phlox stolonifera (creeping phlox)? It is evergreen, although how green (rather than brown) it is in the winter depends on your zone, but even if it browns in the winter, it quickly greens up in the spring. There are lots of varieties to choose from with white, pink, purple or blue flowers. Most kinds spread rapidly but are not agressive in competing with other plants -- definitely less agressive than vinca or ivy.

Most ivies are hardy in zone 6 and will TAKE OVER everything. I know they are beautiful, but please don't plant them. You will be pulling them out for the rest of your life! You can grow some of the low growing trailing stonecrops or sedums in the shade, they just won't bloom. I've also gotten some creeping thyme AND some common low growing thyme to do in the deep shade for me. As well as pennywort (or is it money wort? I get the two confused!).
Paula