Oh the "creative" part really hits home. My version of creative was using a coat hanger and a zip tie to replace a broken drum paddle. Pretty sure that machine ran on duct tape and hopeful thoughts for another two years. You stop seeing a washing machine and start seeing a puzzle made of scrap. Kind of amazing what it turns into, a real frankenstein appliance.
Bypassed a broken lid switch on my washer by twisting the wires together and wrapping them in duct tape. Held up for months until I could get a real part. @xena_butler is right, you start seeing every broken thing as a chance to MacGyver it. My family called it the 'death trap' but it got the clothes clean.
Totally feel that. Had a spin cycle die on me once, rigged the whole thing with a bike inner tube cut into bands because the rubber dampeners were dust. Looked insane but got the job done.