Thanks for your reply. The idea of loose pins concerned me -- mainly because we walk around barefoot all the time and also have 2 dogs and 5 cats (all indoor). I'd hate to have any of us stepping on tiny pins on the floor, which is undoubtedly where they would end up. I LOVE the dress, though, so I'm sure I will buy it -- I'll just take the pins out and put them away I guess. Thanks!