Grandma's Best Blocks - Block 1

I took long enough to post this - I think I am finally caught up enough to start going through Better Home and Gardens, Grandma's Best Full Size Quilt Blocks book. 
So here we are, block one:

The diamonds that make the stars are a 45 degree with all 4 sides measuring 2 3/8" in length finished - so cut them out at 2 7/8" . For the four squares, they are 4 1/2" squares finished. To make the finished block size, you would cut them 5" square.  The block size is 9" square in the picture, but you will have 9 1/2" so you get the nice edges like they show in the pic when you sew your blocks together. Anyone wanting a PDF of the pattern page, please let me know and I will get you one.
Here is my square and some notes: 
I sewed my star like it reads in the instructions but this makes the outer part of the star too long and when you place on your outer squares you do not have room for the seam allowance to not lose the points. What I did is cut off off each side a 1/4", but you could also have folded and presses this before sewing the star together. Or cut one point of your diamond pieces shorter by the 1/4 inch.
Here are my pics:

My pieces

Assembly of the star

My four squares sewn together

My 1/4" cuttings from the star to make it fit properly

The stare before I satin stitched it on, I pinned every point to keep it where I wanted it.

Finally, my finished block. 

If you make this block to, I would love to see how yours turns out. 
Cheers,
Carolyn