I have had my babylock for almost 15 yaears now and still love it. I sew home deco items, clothing, accessories and gifts with the three thread overlock stitch. This little machine has saved me many hours of finishing off edges the old fashioned way.
The one thing that my handbook stresses is that to rethread a machine you must cut the needle thread and rethread the upper and lower loopers first, then include the needle thread in with the rest to begin the chain.
The handbook is invaluable, I use it alot when I am changing the tensions or type of sewing with it.
There are many books out about how to use the serger in quilting. Singer has one that is nice with many pictures to help illistrate.
I have noticed lately that the quilt stores in my area are having classes that teach you about the sergers. It would be fun to take one, don't you think?