This block was adapted from "Stars by Magic" by Nancy Johnson-Srebb and enhanced by tips and techniques from Corliss March.

You might have 'point-anxiety' at first glance of this 8 pointed star, but you will find it a very easy and elegant way to get perfect points each time using only squares and rectangles. The fun part is that you will have enough 'waste' to make two additional attractive blocks.

The green background is provided. You will need approximately a fat eighth of two shades of red and a small scrap of yellow/gold.

From the green background fabric provided, cut:

• 8 rectangles, 3.5" x 5.5"
• 8 squares, 2.5" x 2.5"

On the wrong side of the 2.5" background squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

If you also draw a second line 1/2 inch from the first, you will find that putting together your 'waste blocks' will go more quickly.

No - it's not your eyes - the picture is fuzzy!

Position the background squares on top of each of the C1 and C2 rectangles, right sides together. The lines for the C1 units go one direction and in the other direction for C2.

Now at your sewing machine, stitch along the diagonal line. You can put one unit after the other and 'chain' together. This is not only faster, but it allows a continuous stitch that won't gobble the edges as you start and stop.

If you run these units through again and stitch on the second line then you will have your 'waste' half square triangles already complete without having to work with the tiny pieces.

Cut off the corner of each C1, C2 unit 1/4th inch from the first diagonal line (or between the two lines if you are making your 'waste' block as you go).

To reduce bulk when assembling the star, press the C1 units toward the triangle and C2 units toward the rectangle as shown.

Press the waste 1/2 square triangles and set aside.

Sew 1 background rectangle to each C1 or C2 unit. Chain these 8 units together as you sew to save time.

Press seam of C1 units towards the red and C2 units towards the green.

Check - these unit blocks should measure 5.5" x 5.5"

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the 4 C2 units ONLY.

Draw a second diagonal line 1/2" from the first to speed construction of the 'waste' block.

Place unit C1 and unit C2 right sides together. Place pieces so the A's are on top of each other and seams are aligned.

Sew on drawn line (and on 2nd line 1/2" away).

Cut between the two lines of stitching.

Each unit will yield 1/4 of the star and 1/4 of a 'waste' block.

Press seams open to reduce bulk. Star unit should measure 5.5" x 5.5".

Sew the four quarters together according to the diagram to form the 8 point star. Press seams open. Block should measure 10.5" x 10.5" to yield a 10" finished (set-in) block.

Trim the 'waste' units to 4.5 x 4.5, taking any excess from the green background and making sure the red squares are the same size. Sew the 4 waste quarters together to yield a simple waste block. Press seams open. Block should measure 8.5" x 8.5" to yield an 8" finished (set-in) block. I call this the 'Night' block.

To make the 'Day' waste block, cut the following additional pieces from your shades of red:

• 4 rectangles 1.75" x 3 (C1)
• 2 rectangles 2" x 5.5" (C2)
• 2 rectangles 2" x 8.5" (C2)

Use the 1/2 square red and green 'waste' units constructed earlier to make a block like the one to the right. Sew the four C1 'waste' units together for the center. Add the C1 rectangles cut above and the C2 'waste' units to make the center 5.5" block. Finally add the C2 borders to make this 8.5" block.