The stitches marked on this photo should be read from right to left (the same direction in which you would crochet the row). Learn how to make this stitch with the step by step photo for Row 1 (shown above) and the photo for Row 2 (click the link named Next near the photo above).
Row 1 Directions - After crocheting the double crochet that are made before the Offset Shell part: skip 2 chains, (2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet) all in next chain, chain 2, skip next 3 chains, then continue with the double crochet that are made after the Offset Shell part.
About the Offset Shell Variation shown above: The traditional Offset Shell stitch pattern has been in use for many years, with 5 dc used to make each shell group and areas of 5 dc traditionally made before and after the Offset Shell. In my variation, I've used (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) for each shell group, in order to make that part a little more flexible, to work well with a variety of crochet tensions without curling.
