(grid = 48 x 48, scroll down to tile) (see four-patch animation)   ANTIQUE GEOMETRIC QUILT DESIGNS FLYING SAUCER < INDEX Quilt Notes: Expressed as a children's quilt block or as a fairly elegant design, an interesting aspect of FLYING SAUCER is that it can be constructed as a four patch block, though it has the same geometric precision as if it were based upon an eight-point star set within a circle – see above right, and animation. The design can be traced back to Quilters Newsletter Magazine, pub. since 1969, according to Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. In addition a variation drafted on a hexagon set within a circle is illustrated in Maggie Malone's 5,500 Quilt Block designs (the center opening can vary in size). For a related design, see VORTEX.