Is this just the foundation of the mariners compass? In other words if I get the mariners compass instructions, I just do the first few steps and stop correct?

That is how I would do it. Just follow the directions for the size of the star that you want and adapt to your own layout and pattern. I make up stuff up all of the time, put different things together to make it my own.

Thanks Pam - I'll see what I can find. Appreciate your help.
Gayle

You are welcome Gayle, please PM me if you need anything and SERIOUSLY consider paper piecing the stars. I taught this class and I think it would be very difficult to do with just pieces cut from templates.

The stars don't look pieced in your pic, they just look like lines. Perhaps you might consider quilting the lines of the star? If you do want to PP them, it would be easy to draw it out. Its going to be lovely, what a wonderful friend you are!!!

Tried to draw one in EQ5 & post it here, but can't seem to get the PDF to post properly, sorry.

Could you adapt this one?
http://www.quilterscache.com/T/TheNightSkyBlock.html

I absolutely think I can modify this one. Thank you thimblebug.

Did you start your project?

No, not yet - still trying to plan the black and white blocks. Haven't tried to attack the crosses yet either.