When I first started sewing I mentioned I wanted a serger to do knits and slippery fabrics. I still want it for that, but haven't used it since I took a basic class.
The Brother 1034D was recommended by my sewing teacher, and I saw it got a lot of five star reviews online at different sites. It's easy to use (I guess, lol) and is cheap. Mine was $175.00 at Cost-Co online. Hubby went and bought it as a surprise although I told him I wanted to learn to sew first.
I would love a self-threading serger but they are expensive. Here's more about the Brother:
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-1034D-.../dp/B0000CBK1L