I am a righty and pin with the heads facing to the left like the OP does. It is the way I have always pinned even when sewing garments. I pin this way for quilting, because after I pin, I spread apart the area of the seam allowance the pin is holding to ensure it is lined up. Seems to me the other way the pin would completely block the area I am trying to open up and see. I use a presser foot not a speed control so I will slow way down when approaching my pin. Sometimes I simply back out the pin with my left hand enought for the presser foot to go over, sometimes I can tell I can sew over it without hitting it and other times I stop the machine completely with needle down and pull out the pin.
I agree with MacThayer.