Working, but so boring.
For some of us it's nice to build needles stuff instead of using a better (but boring) solution ;)
I like the needles stuff, you like the mechanical 'easy' solution
I was wondering what was going on in their life that the alert sound from the washer and dryer weren't sufficient for the purpose. My GE dryer sings a happy "laundry's dry" song when it's finished.
You're right though, this way is more fun.