Kalama, the way I designed it, you could do it in wedges around that center octagon.

I think I would construct it in a circle basically, each of the triangle wedges whole with the colored blades between them, and then I'd applique in that center octagon. You can set in the seams but the angle is so soft I think it's going to end up rather rounded, which could be ok as well.

For the rays to fit the 1" sides on the octagon, that makes the octagon 3" along the perpendicular measurements. It's bigger than it looks on the prints.

For easier piecing if your fabric allows it, easiest would be to cut the center triangles in half. If you wanted to have the most fun with stripes, you probably don't want to do that.

It's an 8-point star surrounded by inset squares and triangles.
the fussy-cut plaid fabrics create the illusion of a separate center piece.
the plaids also confuse the eye and make the background seem part of the star.

I heard back from the designer Debi Adkinson-McOwen who sent happily shared the pattern with me, except it is a zip file I can't seem to open. I can forward the email to someone cleverer than I if you'll PM me your email address.

Are you on a PC or laptop? Can you try a right click on the file with the mouse?. Then extract all should get the individual files that make the "zip" file.

iceblossom is working on it for us. I've opened zips before, but this one wants me to sign in with my google account which says I've given google access to my full computer and all files. Eh?

Well, the file/picture I got is a six-sided version and did not open, am trying other things... don't think it was operator error on Kalama's part. I know I have how to do this as a hex in a book -- just have to look for it.

If someone has a book on octagon or hex variations, it should be findable maybe even with directions. I know the book I have is just diagrams with no construction info.

I can always finalize my rough sketch if you give me a desired finished block size. I'd be starting with my triangle ruler and cut out the 8 triangles of background fabric. Then I'd put one each color bar on either side of four of the triangles (you can make them with the pointed tops), and then put the corner triangle across that diagonal edge. I'd then combine each corner with a center triangle, piecing them around the block and as mentioned before leaving that center octagon to applique or carefully fit in.

Interesting block. I sent you a pm.

Managed to get a more detailed pic of this block. It is an 8 pointed star with a smaller square in the corners, so I made one up in EQ as a 12" block.
Have been having a terrible time attaching photos lately, just will not work. Heres' hoping.

I decided to go ahead with a prototype block using a couple of contrasting scraps that I actually, yes, did pick up off the floor. I've designed it to finish as a 10" block with the 1" blades. For me the design consideration turns out to be that octagon in the middle, if you want your blade width to be the same as the octagon, the bigger the blades the bigger that octagon needs to be. 1.5" blades makes that about 4" wide. As it is with 1" rays, it is about 3" across in a 10" block.

Gay's block shows what I was thinking of, I'm treating this more as an exercise in Lemoyne star construction.

The way I work, I cut and sew large and then trim down for accuracy. That does mean you need to do some accurate cutting. For this, I've been using my Quilt in a Day Kaleidoscope ruler to cut my triangles.
https://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponli...t-in-a-Day/708
A 60 degree ruler makes a hex (6 sides). You need 45 degrees for octagons (8 sides).

My strips I already knew were going to be 1" finished, so I am cutting them straight on grain at 1.5". I'm using the rectangle that came off the floor, so they are oversized. Being consistent on how I put the fabrics together, I put the (red) on first, then the yellow. I used the stitching line of the red to start the stitching for the yellow. It will make more sense when I post the pictures.

I don't usually use/need starch, but I am getting quite a bit of slippage/stretch on those triangles, even sewing straight grain to it and will recommend it for this project.

Taking a break because I already made twice as many "triangle" pieces as I needed (and so need to recut the corner ones), but I should have pictures shortly and since I have Kalama's address handy, when I'm done I'll just shove it all in an envelope and send it her way. Once she sees it, we can work out further details and instructions if needed. I'm going without the pointy triangles on the blades in my practice block, but I made a couple of oversized examples for Kalama in case that's the part that really excites her. You just have to be a little more accurate with the cutting and measuring to do them.

oh goodie, stuff shoved in the mail to me :) :) :) I love something to look forward to!