Oblique Shawl

[pursesbybarb4u]

I purchased this pattern which was originally in Aslan Trends Season's Change Volume 1. I don't have the book, just the pattern. Anyway, if anyone has knitted it and can help. I am at Row 7, where it says: K1, P1 across and repeat this row until 8" from beginning. THEN, it says:
Divide for opening as follows: Separate and hold 30 knit sts from the 30 purl stitches. Now how can you separate by knit and purl stitches when a K1, P1 as described above is basically a rib Pattern.
If anyone could help, I would appreciate it. I am wondering is something was left out of this copy.

Thanks,
Barb