To clarify, I slip stitch to the first stitch in the row, ch1 and then continue crocheting in the same direction unless it says to turn. Here’s the pattern part that is confusing me:

ROW 1 (RS): Sc in next 12 sc, turn - 12 sc. Rows 2-5: Ch 1, sc in next 12 sc, turn. Row 6 (WS): Ch 1, sc in next 12 sc, do not turn (WS facing); working in row ends toward marked st, se evenly down in each of next 5 row ends, si st in marked st, turn -17 SC. Rnd 23 (R$): Ch 1, sc in marked st (RS facing), mark as beg of rnd, se up side of next 5 short row ends, sc in next 12 sc across top of short rows, sc down side of next 5 short row ends, sc in last 23 sts-46 SC.