It is a variable star block pattern. I have insert pieced blocks in the center of other blocks such as Ohio Star. The quilter may have done this on her own or may have seen this design done in a publication. Great Save !!

It did come out nicely.

Ohio star with pinwheel center?

I believe you are all partly correct, I have seen it called a pinwheel star block. Made our 4th grandson one.

I would call it an Ohio Star Variation, the pin wheel in the center of each star makes it a bit different from the traditional OS. A very nice quilt you have there.
peace

Very pretty and I am glad you ended up liking it after all.

I know this block as "Martha Washington" star block.

variations of the MW star block
 

I noticed that some of the examples were pinwheels made with quarter square blocks. One was made by making a regular pinwheel and adding half square triangles of the proper size to complete the center of the star. Both are labor intensive, but I love this pattern.