This company has a the hunters Star pattern using half square triangles and it is sooooo much easier than the traditional way. I saw this at my LQS and was instantly hooked. It is simple to do with the Thangles pack but can also be done with just some hst. Just graph it out and break it down into triangles within the block. I have even made a miniature of the pattern this way. I have always loved this pattern but until I tried it with the triangles I thought it was too complex.
Also here is the book I have on this pattern and I find it very easy to use.
http://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Star-Qu.../dp/1571202102
http://thangles.com/projectpacks/orionstar.html