Thanks for the explanation of D9P, PaperPrincess
Okay everyone, I don't count this as a fall, but a necessary detour... I've tried to design my own Mariner Star patterns for a while now, but they always came out wonky, so I ordered some patterns printed on interfacing from QuiltSmart. I used these before, years ago, and now could only find them online. I have 4 promised projects that require the stars, so I am waiting anxiously for the patterns to arrive.