BOW #7 Variable Star

Variable Star (which you might also know as Sawtooth Star--especially when the start points and center square are all the same fabric or color) is one of my favorite blocks, and you see four of them in the icon quilt.

The star is easy to make, using 4 geese units (see last week's post,  BOW # 6 ),  a large center square and 4 corner squares.
For a 12" finished star the unit sizes are:
  (4) geese units, 3-1/2" x 6-1/2"
  (1) 6-1/2" square
  (4) 3-1/2" squares

Arrange the pieces as shown below:

Now, the really FUN part of this star is that you can put whatever you want in the large center square--"fussy-cut" fun fabric, or another block that finishes at 6."  In the icon quilt there are 4 stars, each with a different block in the center:  a Nine Patch, a Friendship Star, a Churn Dash, and a pinwheel.

You'll see more about ho to make those blocks in an upcoming post.

(Doesn't the pinwheel inside the star look a lot like the LeMoyne Star?  Different color combinations and arrangements would be wonderful!)

As you're looking at quilts and blocks be looking for those that could fit inside another block such as the Variable Star.  I think that simpler blocks look best in the center of the star, but you could also put in some complex blocks if you're willing to do the math, and piece all those pieces!