Lots of possibilities.
Natural materials to dye it? Well, right now the Black Walnuts are dropping all over the place. That outside "hull" makes a great brown dye (although a little overused in some living history groups). And that walnut dye is very stable.
Any number of pouches/bags can be made.
Haversack - flat envelope type bag with shoulder strap
Sailor's ditty bag - round cylindar with sewn bottom and rope drawstring on top
Round Pouch - large circle with a drawstring punched through holes/slits around the edge
A pouch just big enough to slip your billy can in - to keep the black from the fire from rubbing off on everything else.
A Tool or Eating/Cooking utinsel roll - flat piece folded up about 2/3's, sewn up on the ends, and then sewn up every 1 to 1 1/2 inches to create "slots" for the tools to slip into. Then fold the top "flap" down and roll it up. An attached ribbon works well as a tie to hold it all together. Adjust the height to the type of tools you will be putting in each slot.
And don't forget to use a scrap with a leather thong attached to wrap up around the head of your axe/hatchet. You will be amazed at how useful that scrap will be in camp when working around the fire - as a "pot holder".
I use one "pouch" or bag for various tent stakes. And when the tent is up, I keep that pouch next to the firepit. I use it to kneel or sit on when around the fire. It keeps various body parts from getting wet from ground moisture.
A small section well water-proofed comes in handy around camp. Use it to set on, or to set your gear on - to protect it from ground moisture. Or throw it over your gear or firewood if it starts to drizzle/rain. Or drape over your head/shoulders. You can even use it as a "table clothe" to spread your food out on. You will quickly become amazed at the possible uses for an odd chunk of canvas.
Just a few thoughts to share. Take them as such.
Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands
