Jeanie, finished block means what it says...if you say 8 it will make the one fourth inch margin for you, so that it finishes as an 8.
QuitE, go to
www.quilterscache.com for the 8 inch Missouri star. I think it was GardenGal who used it (mentioned it) on this PC drive or will be posting it in the future PC postings before the trail ends. I sent Olsewglad's pattern for the Maple leaf and the rippppit frog to Carrie, so she has it to forward if you are interested. Or I can...whatever works for you.