Pattern Challenge: Coffee Date Dress

I completed the Coffee Date Dress!  I have been looking and looking at this pattern and everyone's versions for a long time and finally made one for myself.  This adorable pattern is designed and offered for free by The Selfish Seamstress.  As I follow her blog, I'm really doubting her title...

Here is my dress:

 I added the wide belt for fun detail.  It also helps camouflage the belly.

 If you know me, I won't be drinking coffee in this but most likely tea.  I drink tea morning, noon and night.  I think Rod needs to take me on a date now in my new dress. Then it can be my wine and a movie dress, he he he.

View of the back with my invisible zipper.  It looks pretty invisible, I'm getting better.

My Coffee Date Dress is made from charcoal grey linen (100% cotton) that I purchased from JoAnn's.  This pattern was pretty easy and fun to sew up.  I liked adding the ruffle to the front.  I had to take in the dress almost 2 inches around the waist and chest and then adjust the front seams.  I thought I read the sizing correctly but I guess I should have cut out one size smaller than I did.  I used french seams for the first time and it really makes a pretty and professional finish on the inside of the garment.  I also used a blind hem for the first time.  That's gonna take some getting used to.  It might have been easier if I had cut the skirt on the bias.  This was also the first time that I used my dressform.  I love it!  It really helps when you are pinning and sizing.  I'm so glad I have one.  I've decided to name my dressform Genevieve after my grandmother, Eudalia Genevieve.  She used to sew and she bought me my first sewing machine.  I'll have to do another post introducing Genevieve and my sewing space.