Newbie with a question... Sewing machine vs. Serger

Hi - i'm so glad I found this board! Reading everything here has been so helpful. Well - for my (probably dumb) question... I have always just used my mom's old sewing maching. It does the job - but I'm wanting to sew more and more now and I need a new machine (her's is about 40 years old - a Kenmore). So - as I research, I also keep reading about sergers and would like one of those too - but I DO need both, right?? If I'm understanding everything correctly, the serger will help me by finishing off my seams and making my products look more finished. But - I would still want a standard sewing machine, correct? OR - are their people who do all their sewing on a serger? I'm a little confused. 

Oh - and I'm mainly sewing kids clothes. 

Thanks in advance!
Melany

I have bothsewing machine and serger and honestly for me I do not need both for the type of sewing I do.  Maybe it is just my serger (I don't have a dream Babylock) but my sewing machine does a great job and I do have the time to finish them seam  as I would wish with it, and a bit more control. Saying all that I would suggest look for a good machine to suit your sewing needs, see how much time you have to allow to sewing, because there is no doubt a serger is fast, however take time to thread on some models. But if you are like me I had to get a serger to know how much I needed one    I have a Janome 6500Pro, I love the thread holder!, I love ability to control the speed!, and the number of stitches.  I am not a quilter as such, so I find the 6500Pro does the job for me.  Hope that helps!  Let me know how it goes.

Thanks, Hayley! I think that is good advice. I get myself all worked up thinking I need all the newest stuff... but truth is - if I just get a new machine it is going to be such a step up from what I'm using now, I may not need the serger quite yet!

No Problem at all anytime!

If you are just expanding your sewing repetoire, wait a while before you invest in a serger.  They are fantastic, I own two myself, one has differential feed and the other does not, but they are a frill, not a necessity, especially for a beginner.

You can clean finish your seams with a zig-zag or pinking shears. 

As for sewing machines, a good basic is all you need. Find a machine with metal parts inside.  I had a Singer Stylist that I loved until it's insides just quit on me because they were made of nylon.  Who knew?  I was right in the middle of a sewing project when it quit forever on me.

You need a zig zag, drop-in bobbin, a few stretch stitches, and built-in buttonholer. The rest is nice but not necessary.  I have a Viking 400, which has got some built-in embroidery stitches I never use. 

My Viking does not require oiling, which has been a wonderful feature; but lint removal and oiling regularly are important maintenance for most machines.

So would any old machine do what a serger does then?  According to what has been said here, as long as you have the time, you could go over the seams a time or two and get the exact same result that you would get if you used a serger.  I'd appreciate your help

A serger not only finishes your seams , but it cuts the fabric as well giving you a nice clean edge.  I use both a sewing machine and a serger for most of the projects i make.  Anything from kids clothes to bedding etc..
Having had my particular serger for probably 10 years it doesn't have any of the new technology .
Threading can sometimes be a nightmare as each thread is threaded through the machine by hand and then you have to adjust the differential etc. so it can be totally fiddly and very frustrating.  I would get a serger that has some type of threading assistance and sets up the differential etc. by programing in your sewing stats for the project that your're working on. I've seen a demo of the new Babylok sergers and they are fab. I hope this helps.

I have an older, 8 yrs., singer serger I got for $200. on QVC. I love it. Suits my needs for making some clothes, place mats, finishing off table cloths, pillow cases. You don't always need the best or newest to do small jobs.

I've been dreaming of a Serger for quite some time now.  Someday I hope to get one, after the sewing room is finished that is.