Puntarelle is notorious in her hometown of Michel Delving for her extremely poor, but inexpensive weaving, the latest in a long line of trades she's attempted. 

Her family, the Puddlefoots, were considered quite respectable, until her son married a lass from Buckland and moved across the river. She has been a menace to him and her daughter-in-law by constantly complaining about how they manage their garden. At last, fed up, her son suggested that some adventure might be good for her, (and get her out from underfoot.) She took to this idea, and has been exploring the Shire, inflicting herself on those unfortunate enough to be her relations. If she doesn't have relatives in a town she wants to visit, why then, no matter, she's happy to fudge the family tree a little and add some cousins to the mix. 

She took up residence in Bree, and has taken it upon herself to better the town, leading to her getting involved with the Commoner's Committee. After, all, someone really ought to do something, and Puntarelle can't think of anyone more sensible than herself!