I hate to be cliche, but I've seen amazing, AMAZING Maple Leaf quilts. It's a very easy block, but can be outstanding with great fabrics (and not necessarily red and white - I mean, really, anyone that knows you is going to get the connection, so you don't have to hit them over the head with it. ;) ;) )
here's a simple rendition, but I know there are more involved ones out there:
http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/200...af-blocks.html
And here's some more eye candy :
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&s...w=1280&bih=610
Now that I think about it, Judy Martin had a GORGEOUS Maple Leaf quilt in her book "Creative Pattern Book." Fabulous book - worth every penny.