We’re eight weeks in to the National Quilters Circle Quilt Block Challenge, and we’re getting excited to see everyone’s finished quilts soon! But before then, it’s time to work on our eighth block: The Alicyone Star!
For this challenge, we are creating the beautiful Pleiades quilt pattern, designed by the talented Gina Perkes of The Copper Needle.
Looking for fabric requirements? Find them here! You can also find a coloring sheet for this block here.
The finished quilt size is 66 by 66 inches. Click the button below to download a PDF with instructions for your third block. And make sure to share your progress in the Quilt Block Challenge Facebook Group – we can’t wait to see everyone’s work!

If you haven’t signed up for the Quilt Block Challenge, there’s still time! You can sign up here to make sure you get the block assignments delivered to you inbox each week. And make sure to visit Gina at The Copper Needle to see more of her beautiful work!
Other blocks from this challenge:
Block 1: Celaeno Star
Block 2: Merope Star
Block 3: Maia Star
Block 4: The Atlas Star
Block 5: The Electra Star
Block 6: The Pleiones Star
Block 7: The Taygeta Star
Block 8: The Alicyone Star
Block 9: The Sterope Star
National Quilters Circle Quilt Block Challenge – Wrap Up
Quilt Block Challenge – Basic Finishing Instructions
I just downloaded this onto my home computer and i got a virus and now my computer doesn’t work!! Not a happy girl today! Have downloaded all your other files and never had a problem!!!!
Hello Kellie,
I am sorry to hear this. We have tested our post and can ensure you that our website and completely safe and secure.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Coloring page? Monochromatic page? PLEASE ADD
Hello Primrose.
The coloring page has now been posted and the monochromatic pattern will be posted soon.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
No monochromatic pattern yet? Please ask Gina to add them. Much appreciated. Our Guild in Germany is going to use this as a challenge later this year.
Loving the designs, ut it might be helpful to have a rough estimate of the amounts of fabric needed? Regards, Barbara .
Hello Barbara,
We are glad that you are enjoying the challenge. Here is a link to the fabric requirements. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/challenge-fabric-requirements/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I’m sorry! I DO NOT SEE the monochrome pattern, NOR the ‘coloring page’ … cccn you repost or email these additions? THANKS SO MUCH
Hello Laurie,
The coloring page has now been posted and the monochromatic pattern will be posted soon.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Was wondering if there is a coloring page to go along?
Hello Barb,
The coloring page for this block has now been posted.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Will we be able to open Block 8, Alicyone Star anytime soon?
Hello Sharon,
Block 8 has been posted. Please try accessing again.
Thanks,
Becky National Quilters Circle Video Membership
The stars are amazing
I think there’s a problem with block 8. The cuts for B & F don’t match up with the first HST piecing instructions.
we too are having issues with block 8 suggestions anyone?
Thank you for doing this Challenge! This is the first time I have done one, and am enjoying it! Sharing with a friend in Florida! We work on them together, and share our thoughts and progress via text messages, and photos. It has been a fun way to keep connected after my move to Arizona. The quilts are turning out so beautifully!
Do you have the monochromatic pattern?
Hello Beth,
The Monochromatic pattern will be added soon.
Thanks,
Becky NQC Video Membership
Is anyone else having trouble with the cutting instructions and measurements?!?
Will be interested to see what this turns out like
is there no monochrome for Block 1, 2, or 8?
I love to quilt.
These blocks are amazing. Can’t wait to get them a
I’m trying to do block 8 and when I cut 2 pieces 4 7/8 by 93/4 for HST sew them and cut them on the line open them up I am getting a lozenge shape that is impossible to trim to 3 3/8. Are the measurements correct please i don’t want to waste any more fabric
the 4 7/8 I changed to an even 5 and it is working great
Having problems with block 8. Where it says to use 2 of the 4 7/8 by 9 3/4 to make 8 Hst. So what are the measurements for each square prior to cutting into HST?
I had this problem too. The directions didn’t make sense. Don’t look at the picture on the directions. It is misleading. Instead, use the given measurements, but divide the large rectangle into halves, not fourths like the picture. I did waste some material trimming it to size, but it worked. Your other option is to look online for half square triangle calculations and make your own cuts based on the finished size given (3 and 3/8). Good luck!
Will there be a mono pattern for #8?
Hello Mim,
There is not currently a monochromatic pattern posted for this block. We hope to have it posted soon.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
No monochromatic page
Hello Barb,
There is not currently a monochromatic pattern posted for this block. We hope to have it posted soon.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Site doesn’t recognize mail address when I try to sign in. I do get mail from you.Trying to go to files for updates.
Hello DeLores,
Did you sign up and pay for a Premium Membership? You would only have login information for the site if you have a Premium Membership. Our E-Newsletter is free of charge and does not have a login to the website.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Waiting for Block #9. Didn’t get it yet
Hello Evie,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Is the monochromatic up? I would love to start my block. Thank you
Hello Stephanie,
We do apologize, at this time there is not a monochromatic download but it should be posted soon.
Thanks,
Becky NQC Video Membership
Cannot wait to get the patterns
how do I join the challenge
Hello Debra,
Here is the link to signup for the challenge. https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/a10846/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Hello. Did not receive Block 9 as others did as well as block 8. Will block 9 be sent next week?
Hello Karyn,
Block 9 will be sent out this week in our E-Newsletter on Thursday.
Sincerely,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Hello. I am having trouble with piecing together fabrics B and F 4 7/8 x 9 3/4 fabric cuts. These sizes do not make a square to cut down to 3 3/8.
Can’t get the pattern for block 8, everytime I try to download it what appears in my screen is block 7, I have been trying several times with same result, is there a way I could get a PDF or Word document please? My email is lesliezohemia2000@hotmail.com
Hello Leslie,
We are sorry that you are not able to access Block 8. We would suggest closing out all our browser windows and trying to access the download again. If you are still not able to access the download, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-706-3538, and they can help troubleshoot the problem with you over the phone.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I cannot locate the “add page” under the Quilt Block Challenge Picture. I think I must be the only one to not post completed blocks. Please help.
Hello Jeanne,
You will want to go to the NQC Quilt Block Challenge Facebook Page. Under the Quilt Block Challenge picture on the Facebook page is the option to create a post and add a picture. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-706-3538 and they will help walk you through the process.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Block 8–I think measurements for B/F (4 7/8 x 9 3/4) is wrong. No way can it make HST required. I think it is probably the 4 7/8 that is wrong. Please recheck and send out new measurement. Thx.
I see completed tops on FaceBook. How do I access the last block pattern? Thank you!
Hello Louise,
Block 9 will come out on Thursday in our E-Newsletter.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I’m a Johnny come lately but I can hardly wait to start work on these blocks.
Looking for monochromatic colorway for block 8
Hello Melchert,
We do apologize, at this time there is not a monochromatic download but it should be posted soon.
Thanks,
Becky NQC Video Membership
Where do I find the monochromatic block?
Hello Phyllis,
We do apologize, at this time there is not a monochromatic download but it should be posted soon.
Thanks,
Becky NQC Video Membership
would somebody approve me to the FB group for this. Name is Arlene Marie. I’ve had friends add me, but no approval yet. Thanks.
How do other Quilters get the blocks before Thursday
I need block 9 please
Hello Stella,
Here is the link to block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Actually I’m looking for Block 9 – your email said it is ready but it doesn’t show up when I click on ‘View Now’ or do a search for it from your website.
Hello Anne,
Here is the link to block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Still waiting for monochromatic page and the next block is already out.
Where is Block 9?
Hello Linda,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I am still looking for the monochromatic pattern for block 8 and also block 9. I printed block 9 today and it did not have the monochromatic version either. Please advise as to where to find these.
Hello Barbara,
The monochromatic pattern and coloring sheet for this block 9 will be available soon. The monochromatic pattern for block 8 should also be available soon.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Is block 9 posted yet ? I see the other blocks but not that one. .thank you
Hi Lise,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/wp/wp-admin/post.php?post=415760&action=edit
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
block 9 is not available for download…when I clink on the link, and error number appears with the phrase “page not found”
Hello,
We are sorry that you were not able to access the download. Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/wp/wp-admin/post.php?post=415760&action=edit Please try refreshing your browser if you get an error again. This should help fix the issue.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Looks like I need a Google Authenticator code with my email address and password. Have not got this before when trying to download the patterns.Any answer?
Hello Sandy,
You should not need either of those to access Block 8. Please try refreshing your browser. If you are still not able to access the download, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-706-3538 and they will troubleshoot the problem with you over the phone.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Are there monochromatic versions of Blocks 1, 2 and 8 as well as a colouring page for Block 2. Thank you.
Has Block 9 been posted? The link in my email did not work and now I can not find it.
Hello,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Have fun!
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Still no monochromatic pattern…….
Thsee patterns are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for putting this together and in two different color ways!
Could you please email the monochromatic page for blocks 1,2 & 8? Thank you.
Excited to join your email.
Can you please tell me if Block 9 has been sent out yet. Thank you/
Hello Norma,
Here is the link to block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I managed to get flu and am trailing far behind! Is there a cutoff date?
Hello Margaret,
I hope you are feeling better. There is no cutoff date.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Could you please tell me when Block 9 will be available. Thank you.
Hello Norma,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I can t find block 9 . Is That possible?
Hello Martine,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
My friend just told me about this challenge and I want to do it too (better late than never)! But I can’t find the pattern for block 9. Is it not available yet? I really want to catch up!
Hello Amy,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I was just getting ready to make this quilt and found I do not have block #9. I cannot bring up the block. Help
Hi Heather,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Tanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I cannot find a link to print block “9” of the Pleiades block challenge. I was hospitalized for a heart attack the month of March and did not get the printed pattern at that time. I am anxious to get back to my sewing. Can you provide me with the link or pattern for the last one?
Pam Danielson
Hello Pam,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Hope you are feeling better.
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Can you please send me Block 9 pattern for the Pleiades Star? I was hospitalized with a heart the month of March. So I am missing the final block and cannot find it. I would appreciate if you would send me the link. Thank you
Pamela
Hello Pamela,
Here is the link to Block 9. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Enjoy!
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Lovely block patterns
I have mist bolck 9
is it possible to down load it
Were is block 9 pdf please
Lovely
I just found this quilt challenge, it is beautiful, but there is a block missing. I can’t download block 9 on my computer. I have the Celaeno star, Merope star,Maia star,
,Atlas star, Electra star, Pleione star, Taygeta star and alicyone star. Could you please direct me to the remaining block for this quilt. It is really pretty and have all the fabric. Thanks you so much> Sincerely Elna Sip
Dear Elna,
Thank you for contacting us.
Here is the link for block 9: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/block-9-2/
Have fun and don’t forget to post your photos/
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Do you have a tutorial for seeing stars designed by Lindsey weight
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can find it for sale here on this site: https://bearcreekquiltingcompany.com/shop/product/seeing-stars/
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Thank you for a very interesting pattern. I look forward to giving it a try.