Sewing with knits

Is it possible (without going absolutely batty) to sew knits (I have a great piece of jersey waiting to become something fabulous) without a serger? What am I up against?

It's possible!
I don't have a serger, and sew knits alot.
First, use a "stretch" needle - they have a rounder tip and instead of piercing your fabric, will just push aside the fabric when stitching.  You can find the needles anywhere sewing machine needles are sold.
You can also iron-on fusible web to the back of the fabric and then it sews nicely, too - sometimes I'll by knits because I like the color or pattern & need to make it stiffer for using it in a craft, handbag or doll.

Knits are not as scary as you think.  I stayed away from them for a long while, but then finally took the plunge and it was easier than I thought.  Try using Sew U Homestretch.  It is a great book.  I followed everything in there and made sewing the knits pretty easy. 

I use a ball point needle, and I also use a walking foot. Never had a problem,

I started sewing with knits first - not knowing that it was harder. LOL So - I actually was so pleasantly surprised when I started using other fabrics!

I also use a ballpoint needle and don't have much trouble. I have recently been trying to do crew neck shirts and am struggling with sewing that... I need to find a good knit binding - and learn a better technique. Other than that, no real problems.

I'm planning to start sewing with knits soon.  While I'd love a serger, it's just not in the cards right now.  This link is fantastic, and I love how the author says that we can get successful results even with a basic machine.  It's a very encouraging article.

http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00013.asp?

That was the case with me too. My Mum did a sew&knit course when I was little so that is what she sewed a lot of.
She and I have also made crew neck t-shirts. For the neck you can use a strip of the knit fabric and bind the neck sort of like you would with Bias binding. Alternative if you find a fine rib knit and use that. Just remember with Ribbing you cut approximately 3/4 of the neck length. If it is the same length as the neck edge, the ribbing will gape and be floppy. Test that it goes over you head first though!
Hope that helps you Mel.
Ruth