Western Sword Fern carpet the moist, shady understory of Oregon forests at lower elevations. Coastal Indian tribes called the fern Pala Pala and used it as a protective layer in cooking pits and storage baskets, as floor and bed coverings, as a food source, and in medicines. Their kids played a game called Pala Pala where the object was to pluck the most blades off the fern stem in one breath while repeating “pala” with each pluck. Try it the next time you go camping!

Yarn:
1 skein Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo, (100% Superwash Merino Wool, 335 yds/100g), Colorway: Fresco y Seco,

Finished Measurements:
20” circumference x 8.5” tall before blocking.
One size fits most teens and adults

Gauge:
6.5 sts = 1” in reverse stockinette stitch before blocking
20 sts in cable chart = 2.25” before blocking

Needles:
US 3 (3.25mm) 16” circular needle
US 4 (3.5mm) 16” circular needle & double pointed needles or size to obtain gauge

Notions:
Cable needle,
Stitch markers
Darning needle

Skill Level:
Intermediate

This pattern was originally published as Knitting Bee’s contribution to the 2016 Rose City Yarn Crawl in Portland, Oregon. Patterns are available for download individually or as part of the eBook: Oregon Grows Great Things: 2016 Rose City Yarn Crawl Pattern Collection.