When I first learned to sew clothes, my instructor, a very experienced seamstress, told me to leave my pins in and fly over them. Since I started quilting, I pull pins out and cant imagine doing it her way anymore! I just made my first clothing project in years, and pulled pins as I went. I've broken a few needles, but nothing compared to what happened to you!
Hope your machine comes home fast, clean, and in perfect shape.