I don't think your question is dumb, kneading is such a funny behavior, all of my cats do it too but at different times and for different reasons.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the behavior stems from being separated from their mothers too early or they just continued on with it and never dropped the behavior. When they suckle their moms for milk at a young age, they knead her body to stimulate the milk glands to get milk from her. That is where the behavior is learned. It's also a great sign of affection and trust so you should feel honored that Pumpkin does it in my opinion
My kitten Lucky still suckles and kneads everyday, he was found at 5-6 weeks old which is still a tad young to not be with his mom and I don't know how long he was without her before we found him. He sucks on our earlobes or hands several times a day and kneads us and purrs loudly and will usually fall asleep after that. It's so adorable and so sweet, he does it to my fiance and me so I guess he thinks we're his momma, it gives him great comfort
My other cat Bubby only kneads when he is about to lay down on these certain blankets we have on the back of the couch. He jumps up, kneads the soft blankets and his eyes close halfway and then he just sits down.....that's the only time he kneads.
My last cat Priss kneads less than Lucky but more than Bubby. She loves stomachs. So everynight just about when we go to sleep, she comes up and kneads daddy's belly and purrs and closes her eyes and falls asleep, but she doesn't suckle like Lucky. She will also come up when we are laying on the couch and knead our bellies and she purrs then lays down on us. It's so cute.
So anyway, each cats reason for kneading is different I think. I think mainly it's comforting for them and relaxing. I take it as a great sign of affection though so I'm glad you let her do it and enjoy it. Take care!
Here is a pic of Lucky suckeling daddy's hand and kneading:
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