BARNUM, Iowa — Many have fallen in love with new, creative hobbies during the pandemic, but one craftsman never lost sight of his.
Denny Dunbar bought his loom in 1986 to make rag rugs in his basement shop.
"I tell people if you got gray hair and you're from the Midwest or this area, you probably know somebody that made them or had them made," Dunbar said.
Dunbar's business, Rag Rugs by Denny D, started off naturally for the craftsman.
"I just thought it was kind of a neat thing, the more I got into it."
Dunbar said his parents always had rug rags in their home growing up. His grandmother even made some using his his Marine uniforms.
Dunbar makes rugs, purses and bags, which he sells at farmers' markets, festivals and craft shows around the state.
"I go to as many as I probably can in the summer," Dunbar said.
However, the pandemic only allowed him to attend four events in 2020, leaving his shop full of inventory.
The past year hasn't dwindled his passion for crafting, though.
"I think it's very important in life to keep busy, to do something," Dunbar said. "If you sit in that chair all the time, that chair will get the best of you."
"So, this is what I've chosen to do to, keep busy. I'm 70-something years old and I'm living dream making rugs, I guess."
Dunbar sells his products through his Facebook page, and he also takes custom orders.