I've made 2 dresses from this pattern, Bodgeit, both from linen. I love this pattern
I lengthened the pattern in both cases (though I think my shorter version was a better length). I also added sleeves.
The pattern is easy to lengthen or shorten a few cm. You just adjust the pattern pieces which go round the bottom of it. I can tell you what those pieces are later when I dig out the pattern. But there would be a limit to how much you could shorten it using this method though as you would start to lose the shape and some of the pattern pieces. It is quite a short dress though and it might be ok as is for a long top - I had to add 12cm to get comfortably below the knee. You might be able to shorten it in the bodice rather than the hem but it won't be as simple as a conventional dress. Marcy Tilton has a blog entry on the dress which might give you ideas.
Yes you could make it in a jersey though you might not be able to make the nice effect of the hem so obvious. It works well in linen as these are slightly crisp fabrics. But it is a very comfy dress and quite roomy - I chuck it on and forget it!