[MerigoldinWA]

Next and next foll alt row: P
Dec row: (K1, k2tog) to end (17 sts).
Dec row: (K2tog) to end (8 sts).

On the next row they want you to purl and then work the

Dec row: (K1, k2tog) to end (17 sts).

Then purl the next row (foll alt row, translates to following alternate rows and means every other row)

Then:

Dec row: (K2tog) to end (8 sts).

Unless you stop right there the next row is most likely a purl row too, following the instruction to purl the alternate rows.