If DH is happy with the furniture and you're happy with it, I'd go for the machine or keep saving until I knew what I really wanted.

Yeah! I like this idea!

I agree w/ Shannon & Sharon V my DH & I found the older furniture to hold up better & you're not paying the big price.
He's even starting to get fabric for himself & a little featherweight.

Look at your age and physical condishion. Standing at a machine pushing the machine is hard work. Rent time on the machine you are thinking of buying.

I would choose the quilting machine. I would love to have one! You will (probably) spend more happy times with it than with your living room furniture. But, the main reason I say this is because even after 35 yrs. of marriage, my husband did not like the solid brown leather couch that I purchased 5 yrs. ago at Lacks. He took it out to the burning pile in the pasture when we moved from Temple to Galveston. I didn't realize he was that passionate about his dislike of that couch. I would include him in the decision if you decide on LR furniture.

Chose the quilting machine and put it in another room so you don't have to look at the old furniture. Chances are when you get the new machine - you won't be sitting much in the old furniture

I kind of agree with KathyPhillips. Include your husband in the decision IF the money that you are saving is jointly owned by both of you. If it truly your money and your money alone, then do what you want to do. Problem solved. Let us know what you decide.

I agree with Mary, LOL

Buy the quilting machine and make new slipcovers.

Horray for you!!! You know the old saying - If mama ain't happy, nobody's happy. Well, I'm sure mama is happy now!