Which came first? The lesson or the serger?

I have wanted  a serger for YEARS now. I see so many cute dresses and leggings and knit pieces, and I just think “I could make those for the cost of the fabric.”

(A serger a type of sewing machine that does two things that most ‘regular’ sewing machines cannot do.
1. It sews a seam that can stretch, so it is ideal for sewing anything knit, or lycra.
2. It has a cutting blade that actually chops off the fabric as it roars under the needle, so you have a clean seam, and then it wraps a thread back over the edge so that it will not fray.
To see what a serger does, look at the inside of your fleece, your t-shirt, or your knit pajamas. see that seam? That was done by a serger.)

Here is a regular seam on a regular machine.

(Picture is by Tedius Relative on Flickr)
And here are serged seams

(photo by JJandJojo on flickr)

Now, I know how to sew. And, I know how to use a knife. But talk about combining them, and attaching a foot pedal, and I turn cautious. I know how to sew with a thread and a bobbin. But talk about 4 cones of thread, and that is a whole ‘nother business. This is why, up until now I have just shied away from the prospect.

What is the correct order for a purchase like this? Do you buy a serger, and then take a class to learn how to use it? Or do you take a class and understand serger sewing, and THEN buy one?

I have looked on Craigs list for a while now, just to see if there was a deal to be had. And, finally, I went for one.

Here is the beauty in person.

And here is why I am so intimidated

And here

So, it’s me and the instruction manual.
I am the proud owner of a Janome Serger NH 104 D. It says on the front “New Home”.

They don’t even make them anymore, I don’t think.
Wish me luck! And stay tuned for the adventures.
Do you have a serger? How did you learn to use it?